2010_A_TC

SAFETY
TIPS
cargo or destination at truck stops or over the CB.
Be wary of anyone who asks what you’re hauling
or where you’re going. Thieves look for loads they
can dispose of easily for high dollar. Some drivers
routinely tell others they are hauling wastepaper or
some other unappealing product.
If someone seems too interested in your load, alert
your carrier — or even the local police. Once on the
road, be alert for vehicles following you or people
you see repeatedly.
Everyone knows that there is a critical shortage
of truck parking in some areas, and it’s difficult to
be selective when there are few spaces available.
Use your knowledge to help solve the problem. Find
a space that is well lit at night and that’s not too
secluded. When choosing a parking spot, consider
whether you’ll be walking to the C-store or other
business. A great parking space won’t help if you’ll
have a long walk through dark areas.
Sometimes, the location of a truck stop itself is a
reason to bypass it. It might be better to stop a little
earlier than to stay overnight at a truck stop in a
high-crime area.
When you prepare to get out of the truck, consider
your wardrobe. Wear shoes and clothing that allow
you to move quickly. Hooded garments can obstruct
your vision, and flip-flops make running difficult, if it
should come to that.
Before you exit your truck, carefully check the
area. Anyone you see should be either going into the
truck stop or to their own truck. If you see someone
lurking around your truck, notify truck-stop security,
if they have it, or call the police.
If the area is clear, lock your truck and walk
quickly to your destination, continuously scanning
the area for hazards, just like you do when driving.
Not only will you identify problems more quickly,
but you’ll also be letting potential criminals know
you’re alert and catching you by surprise will be
difficult.
Some drivers carry some sort of defensive
weapon when they are outside the truck. Mace and
pepper spray are easy to obtain but are illegal in
some areas. Knives can be turned and used against
the victim. Other items, such as “tactical pens” or
even a set of keys can be a weapon when used
properly. Almost anything is better than nothing.
One “weapon” that’s commonly mentioned is
wasp and hornet spray. Designed for hard-to-reach
targets like nests on a ceiling or in a tree, these
products often spray a stream of 15 feet or more.
The cans can be large and bulky to carry, however,
and users have been sued due to the effects of the
spray (the products are designed to kill pests, and
not merely repel them).
Then, there’s a weapon that isn’t a weapon at
all — the “personal alarm.” These small, batteryoperated
devices can emit a 130- to 140-decibel
“scream” with the press of a button. Some devices
include a small flashlight or flashing alert light.
These devices are intended to discourage an
attacker rather than be used as a defense, since
no criminal wants the attention the alarm attracts.
To be effective, however, the device must be within
easy reach when you need it. Personal alarms
are widely available at many stores, including
C-stores at truck stops.
Once back in the truck, be sure to lock the doors,
of course. Since thieves have access to master keys
and lock-defeating devices, however, many drivers
employ a strap device that secures the doors to one
another, adding an extra layer of security.
A dog can provide protection if someone tries to
enter the truck, and even a small dog can provide
a warning if an intruder comes snooping. The
downside, however, is that dogs need to be walked,
resulting in the driver spending more time outside
of the truck when stopped.
When it comes to personal protection, every driver
has to make their own decision. Some operate in
areas that don’t present much risk, while others
often travel to areas that are higher in crime.
Sometimes it’s a matter of personal comfort and
confidence. No matter the defensive choice,
you’ll reduce the chances of needing to use it by
remaining alert and planning for safety.
12 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com