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THETRUCKER.COM OCTOBER 2022 • 15
BUSINESS
SAFETY SERIES
Things that go bump:
Unusual noises or
movements could mean
something needs attention
CLIFF ABBOTT | SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
The phrase “things that go bump in the
night” may sound like a title for a horror movie,
or even a cheesy writing contest, but can
also indicate a warning for those who drive
trucks.
While traveling down the road, most drivers
get pretty tuned in to the sounds heard in
the cab — the hum of the engine, the sound of
tires on pavement, maybe air leaking through
a window channel. Most truckers can instantly
discern a sound or a feeling that isn’t “right”
— something that’s not the norm. The same is
true when the vehicle is parked at a truck stop
or other location.
While driving, “bumps” can indicate running
over an object in the roadway. It’s always
best for a driver to see objects, including
roadway defects such as potholes, before hitting
them, but hat can be hard to do at night,
when it’s harder to identify small objects until
it’s too late. Objects in the roadway can
include trash, parts or cargo that have fallen
from another vehicle, or just about anything.
In addition, many animals are active at
night and sometimes wander onto the road.
Some may be simply crossing, while others
are seeking warmth in the pavement or something
to eat (such as road kill or even salt).
Whatever their reason for being there, creatures
can be hard to spot until it’s too late. If
the driver is checking mirrors or gauges, the
first indication of an animal or object in the
road could be a “ka-thump” that is both heard
and felt.
Feeling bumps while driving can also indicate
a mechanical problem. Parts can vibrate
loose or break, falling off at the worst
possible time. Belts and hoses can break, tires
can sling pieces of tread, and internal components
of engines and transmissions can
come apart. Drivers who hear something that
sounds wrong — or even just different — will
want to find a safe location to pull over and
check for problems.
At night, finding a safe place to stop and
check can be a difficult task. Road shoulders
aren’t safe in the best of conditions, and
they often contain debris that’s been worked
outward from the travel lanes by passing vehicles
— and could now cause more damage
to yours. When possible, a well-lit parking lot
with other people around is the safest bet.
Wherever you stop, carefully observe your
surroundings before getting out of the truck,
and periodically after that. Don’t get so focused
on finding the source of the noise that you become
vulnerable to an attack. By the way, every
driver should have a quality flashlight on hand.
When parked at a truck stop or rest area,
it can be more difficult to identify “strange”
noises. The sound of an idling engine, a running
auxiliary power unit (APU) or a fan for
heat or air conditioning can mask a lot of
sounds outside the truck. Even the sound of
closing truck doors or people talking can become
“normal” if you’re there long enough to
get used to it.
Many drivers are instantly alert when
someone steps up onto their truck, even if
they don’t try to get in. Someone opening the
back doors on the trailer can cause enough
movement in the tractor to wake the driver.
Someone climbing into the trailer or jumping
out can cause even more movement.
It’s an unfortunate fact that some people
at the truck stop sometimes do things to
sabotage trucks, like pull fifth-wheel release
handles or steal fuel, wheels or other objects.
It pays to be alert.
If you hear or feel something suspicious,
always carefully check around your truck
and trailer before opening any doors. Criminals
can easily hide behind the tractor or directly
in front, pushing or shaking the tractor
hard enough for a driver inside to feel it and
then ambushing the driver as he or she exits
the cab to investigate.
Years ago, one unfortunate driver was
woken up by someone pounding on the door,
who said that he hadn’t pulled in far enough
to allow another tractor use the space behind.
Unbeknownst to that driver, thieves
had positioned boards under the inside tires
of each axle. The driver only moved a few feet,
but it was enough to drive onto those boards,
raising the dual tires enough for thieves to
remove the outside wheels and tires. That
driver went to bed with an 18-wheeler and
woke up with a 10-wheeler and a story to tell
his safety department.
If you suspect someone is lurking around
your truck, it’s a good idea to call the police
or truck stop security rather than confronting
the person yourself. It never hurts to at
least have a second set of eyes on whatever
is happening. In a worst-case scenario, you
could be harmed in a confrontation — and
no one would know to call for help. Remember
the adage that no load of freight is worth
your life.
Those occasional bumps and sounds will
probably turn out to be harmless, but by paying
close attention and checking it out when
necessary, you can increase your chances
of bumping the dock at your next pickup or
delivery. 8
iStock Photo
When stopping to investigate an odd sound, bump or vibration, drivers should carefully observe their surroundings
before getting out of the truck, and periodically after that. Focusing only on finding the source of a noise can
leave the driver vulnerable to attack.
MCCOLLISTER’S AUTO TRANSPORT
Fleet expansion
Opportunities available for
OWNER OPERATORS &
COMPANY DRIVERS.
McCollister’s enclosed auto
transport fleet is continuing to
grow due to OUR CLIENTS
AND OUR TALENTED
DRIVERS.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:
JOE CSIK, DRIVER SUPPORT
609-526-9490 OR
DANIEL MARCHESE
609-331-4258
WWW.MCCOLLISTERS.COM