2010_A_TC

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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
Coal City Cob Company, Inc. Hiring Company Drivers & Owner Operators In 1970, the Cloonen family started Coal City Cob with one truck and a plan. Fifty years later, that plan spans the nation with over 200 drivers providing quality service to chemical and hazardous waste customers. At the heart of it, though, we’re just folks that love trucking. As the big get bigger, we welcome you to join us and remember what it’s like to work in a culture that is family. We look forward to hearing from you soon. TERMINAL LOCATIONS CHARLOTTE Charlotte, NC CHIGAGO Diamond, IL CINCINNATI Cincinnati, OH DALLAS Waxahachie, TX HOUSTON La Porte, TX LOUISIANA St. Gabriel, LA MORROW Morrow, GA NEW JERSEY Rahway, NJ Pedricktown, NJ 888-860-2434 Drive4CCCOB.com
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2010_A_TC

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