The American Trucking Assns. (ATA) has named the captains of the 2009-2010 America’s Road Team, a group of 18 drivers who will spend the next two years representing the trucking industry by delivering safety tips to the motoring public.

The captains have a collective 468 years of experience, driving more than 30.7 million accident-free miles, ATA said. While continuing to be full-time professional drivers, the America’s Road Team Captains will travel around the country sharing advice on how to safely share the road with tractor-trailers.

To be nominated, candidates must have an excellent safety record, demonstrate an ability to communicate a commitment to safety and professionalism, and be employed as a company driver or leased owner-operator by a full-dues-paying member of ATA. The winners were selected by a panel of judges from the trucking industry and related fields.

“The America's Road Team is the best way the trucking industry can reach out to the motoring public to advance the image of the industry,” said ATA president & CEO Gov. Bill Graves. “These elite professional drivers combine impressive safety records with the desire to share their dedication and passion for safety. The trucking industry is proud to welcome these new Captains as they serve as ambassadors, sharing trucking’s message of professionalism, safety and essentiality.”

The full list of America’s Road Team can be found here.