Question:
Guys,
OK, about to go through school and got a burning question in the back of my mind. How safe is it on the road. Like how are customer docking areas around like 3 or 4am. Also, what about truckstops are most well lit and how about rest stops? Do most truckstop places have security patrols, if so which ones? Are you also allowed to carry personal protection such as stun guns, baseball bats, air tasers or pepper spray onboard a truck?
I know alot of new guys are wondering the same thing.
What do you guys carry or do to make things safe or do? Anyone every have a personal safety problem on the road?
Hey, if life throws you a curve ball, try and take a swing at it. Who knows what might happen

Answer:
Originally posted by midnightrunner:
How safe is it on the road.
Depends on your perspective. You drive 10 times the mileage of most people in cars, and as such have at least 10 times the exposure or chance of getting in a wreck.
Like how are customer docking areas around like 3 or 4am.
The customers that run 24/7, their docks are no different at 3 am than at 3 pm. Other customers that shut down overnight, it depends on the location. Some customers won't even let you on the property after hours.
Also, what about truckstops are most well lit
Most of the big chain truckstops are well lit, but that doesn't necessarily deter the hookers, or the petty thieves (other drivers who steal lights, etc from trucks).
and how about rest stops?
Many rest stops are congregation places for homosexuals. Others are drug runner transfer points. Many are safe though, use common sense. Although you are fair game to be awakend by DOT officer who will demand a roadside vehicle inspection on the spot.
Do most truckstop places have security patrols,
Some do, most do not.
if so which ones?
The ones located in bad neighborhoods usually have some sort of security force.
Are you also allowed to carry personal protection such as stun guns,
no
baseball bats,
Tire thumper is better
air tasers
??
or pepper spray
Yes.
What do you guys carry or do to make things safe or do?
I have a big tire thumper, several knives, pepper spray, and a flare gun.
Anyone every have a personal safety problem on the road?
Not really, more of a personal annoyance problem (like hookers who won't go away, bums hounding drivers for "gas money", and other drivers who like to steal lights and chrome off of other trucks.
@#*!%$^@!
Answer:
Except for annoying people trying to "talk" me out of something, I've never had a problem.
But you have to use a sort-of street smarts everywhere you go. Park in well lit areas, cuff your brakes when you leave the truck, and watch your surroundings. Don't make any enemies that might trace you to your truck. I re-tug my fifth wheel repeatedly when I've been parked around other trucks...but it's never been pulled. Never had anything stolen. Probably very lucky too - it happens, but not as much as some think if you use some common sense. All I've got is a carpenter's hammer, an couple industrial knives and mouth.

Answer:
Cuff your brakes?

Answer:
It's a heavy clamp with a padlock that you attach to the yellow and red brake buttons. It holds the buttons out in the set positions. If someone tries to remove the cuff with a crowbar or hammer from the buttons, they'll probably break the brake valves the buttons are attachd to and dump all the truck's air, rendering it undriveable.
It's a good theft device when you're out of the truck to run inside a truckstop to shower or eat, etc. But if a thief has been tracking your load and wants to steal your truck, it's always possible if they have enough time and privacy. Brake cuffs just discourages them or slows them down.

Answer:
I read a lot of good sugestions in the posts above. Some of the things I do are:
Avoid most rest areas at night, especially the ones with no security or are deserted or poorly lit. Danger has been known to lurk in places like that. If you find you have little choice and pull into one like I've described, and have a bad feeling about it in you gut, by all means -- keep rolling on through, don't get out, don't roll the window down for anybody. If somebody approaches your truck and you have a cell phone, put it to your ear as if you're talking to someone on the other end. If they persist, tell them you're on the phone to the police asking them to come out and assist the person with a problem at your door. DON'T roll the window down! And watch the right side of your truck in case the person you're talking to is a diversion and has a partner waiting for the right opportunity to break in from that side. Always keep the right side door locked, check it often to be sure. Keep the engine running and transmission in gear, brakes off, except for your foot on the brake pedal.
Park in truck stops near the front if at all possible. Try to avoid "party row" (the back rows). If you find you have to park a ways from the main flow of people, ALWAYS approach your truck with key in hand to open the door. Don't fumble in your pockets for the key when you get to the truck. As you approach your truck, BE ALERT. Look and listen. Try to approach from an angle that will allow you to view under your trailer and look for legs and/or shadows that seem out of place. Hesitate a bit as you check things out. This applies when you find it necessary to walk between other trucks on your way to yours. If anything "feels" wrong -- detour around another way. I think Radio Shack still sells a device that sounds a high decible alarm when the pin is pulled. The alarm continues until the pin is replaced. Some include a flashing strobe type light and/or a flashlight. Carry one of these for your security. The pin is not easily replaced if you don't know how to do it, so it will continue the alarm until You stop it. Nobody in the immediate area will be able to ignore it, and you can rig it up inside the cab to pull the pin if a door is opened while you are asleep.
If there are plenty of parking places and you don't have to grab the first one you see, take a lap around the parking lot in your truck and "scope" the area out. Be aware of anyone lurking alone or in a small group, especially if they pay close attention to you and especially if they are all wearing dark clothing and hats or caps. You're just another truck, and as such most drivers won't even look at you. If you seem to attract their attention, ask yourself why. Pay attention to your gut feelings.
Inside the truck stop, avoid questions from anybody who asks things like, "what kind of truck do you drive", "who do you drive for", "where are you parked", "what color is your truck", "do you drive solo or team", "do you want to buy ____, come over to my truck and take a look at the____ I have for sale cheap", or anything that can provide them with information that's none of their business. These type folks can be real slick, you might not even realize you are providing them with information they will use to get in your truck while you are away or asleep. If anyone asks to "sit in my truck" I tell them "Naw, I don't think you'd appreciate sitting in the blood I haven't been able to clean up yet from the dude I shot last week". That usually ends the conversation.
Watch out for the "ladies" who ask if you want company. They have been known to scout for drivers who are alone. Saying "NO" isn't enough. Tell them the person(s) in the bunk would kill them if you let them in. Keep the bunk curtains closed when parked, or better yet, always keep them closed. Leave a radio on when you're away from the truck. Hang a Do Not Disturb sign in your door windows when you're away AND while you sleep. Or, "Dog On Duty" sign. Maybe a "Watch Out For My Snake(s)" sign.
As much as possible, plan your stops in time to do everything you need to do BEFORE it gets dark and/or late at night. When your arms are full of laundry or whatever, you make a better target for bad guys. Try to avoid that late at night. Observe others that might be observing you. Be assertive and look them in the eye and remember their discription. This spooks them if they're bad guys. Report anything out of the ordinary to the fuel desk or security, or both.
When leaving a rest area or truck stop, notice if another truck or car leaves at the same time. Watch your rear view mirrors to see if they are following you. Do this for miles after you leave. If you believe you are being followed, exit at a safe, well lit facility, and observe if the vehicle you suspect does the same. DO NOT leave your truck unless it's safe to do so. If it's safe for you to exit your truck, REPORT THEM! Call the police to investigate. Having a cell phone can save your life. Better to be safe than sorry.
Before pulling out, I back up slightly. If the king pin has been pulled, sometimes a slight back will re-connect the king pin. I also do a "tug test" to be sure. I've never had anyone pull the king pin for me, but if anyone doesn't like you, or the company you drive for, it CAN happen. I know drivers who have had this happen. When you exit the truck to run your landing gear down to get the trailer off your frame, you can be at risk for an attack. Don't let that happen, check the connection to be sure, ALWAYS! Even a "friendly" person offering to "help" you, can be a bad guy. Don't think running away makes you look like a sissy, it could save you in the long run. (no pun intended)
Don't carry on conversations on the CB radio while parked in any truck stop. And NEVER reveal who you are, where you are, or what you're hauling, to ANYONE -- even other drivers you know and trust. Remember, others listen too. Don't sign off saying, "I'm going to go to sleep now".
In super bad areas, don't even leave your vents open. Bad guys have been known to insert tubes through them and fill your interior with either or starting fluid (same thing). You wake up with a headache (if you wake up at all) to find your possessions gone. Keep your trailer doors locked, EVEN IF YOU'RE EMPTY!
Some truck stop chains are better at security than others. Learn which ones are. I personally find Flying J to be one of the best at providing security and keeping the undesirable elements out. I have only been approached by a "lady" at a Flying J once, and that was in West Memphis, Arkansas. It didn't take security long to locate her and escort "Blondie" off the premises. I have seen uniformed security at every Flying J I have stopped at. I usually introduce myself when I see them and let them know I appreciate that they are there. A cup of coffee goes a long ways, so I offer to buy them a large cup. They usually take me up on my offer, I'm glad. I might mention where I'm parked, or at least the general area where I'm parked, especially when I have a high dollar load. I've transported loads worth one million dollars and more many times. That causes me to sweat. There are people who will hurt you for a load like that.
Besides all that I've outlined above, as a final measure for security, I have a life size cardboard poster of Janet Reno I prop up in the passenger seat when I'm away from the truck and when I sleep. Janet watches out for me, who'd mess with her? LOL
I don't want to scare you with these suggestions. For the most part things are safe out here. Bad events are few and far between compared to the number of trucks out here. But it's better to be safe than sorry. ALWAYS be prepared.
Best of success to you, good neighbor!

Answer:
Doing all the things he's suggesting -- having that mind set all the time -- probably makes you safer than you' be going to the mall. It's not particularly dangerous in my opinion, if you keep your eyes open and use common sense. Your greates personal risk is having a serious accident or hurting yourself with your own eqipment.
It's all about reducing risk. You can do all the things listed above for years and nothing ever happens. But you can only let your guard down at the wrong time, ONCE. Smart drivers error on the side of being overly careful, if that's what it takes to avoid the rare chance someone intends you harm.
Also: Park to protect your tractor when possible. If you have to expose either your rear end or your tractor on a corner parking spot -- hang the trailer out there. (defensive parking)

Answer:
I have also heard of straping your doors so no one can open them from the outside. Any Ideas on this?
Hey, if life throws you a curve ball, try and take a swing at it. Who knows what might happen

Answer:
Strapping your doors is potentalially dangerous if you become incapacitated and can't un-strap them quickly in an emergency - like a fire. It also makes it dificult to rescue you from the outside.
I wouldn't suggest it. If someone wants in your truck that bad, they're going to break the window anyway, which gives you some warning to grab a weapon and defend yourself I suppose.

Answer:
The obvious disadvantage to using a strap to tie the doors together is what shuffler pointed out. However if you feel you need that kind of security to add to your peace of mind then go for it.
On the flip side of Shufflers arguments against using a strap on your door. If rescue personel would need to enter your truck they can smash the window themselves and cut the strap if it came to that. As far as the fire issue goes. I suppose that is a risk. So once again it really boils down to what risks you are willing to accept. Many of lifes choices come down to trade offs. Everyone must decide for him or herself what is condered acceptable loss verses a possible gain.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
Yeah.....I like uturn's answer better now that I've thought about it some more.
Just don't use a rope and wrap it round and round with a big knot -- or anything like that.
Perhaps a cargo strap with a quick release ratchet. You could hook the ends to the door handles and tighten the ratchet. Even if you were dead asleep or couldn't see in the smoke, all you'd have to do is find the ratchet and "snap" -- the strap falls off.

Answer:
Use common sense and judgement. There is good advice here that can keep you safe. I never had any problem, but here's what I can tell you.
Never let anyone in your cab. Women pose as drivers and ask for a ride to their truck in a cold, wet parking lot. Do not trust them. They are usually hookers trying to get inside your truck.
I always carried a large prong-ended crowbar and a flashlight. If someone came up to my window at night, I shined the flashlight in their face to get a look at them. They usualy go away with this. The crowbar was always close at hand, by the driver's seat. And if anyone asks you why you have a crowbar, it is a tool for the job. I used it to pry nails up off the floor of the trailer.
ALWAYS make it a habit to check your fifth-wheel pin and even your tandem pins if you have sliding tandems. If those tandem pins are not locked in place, you can easily pull the trailer off the axles out on the highway. There are sickos who get their kicks out of causing stuff like that.
Never tell anyone what you are hauling, where you are going, or invite them into your truck. No matter what you are hauling or what you carry with you in the cab, it is worth something to someone. If a drifter wants to ask for a ride, I always ask them where they're going. Then when they tell me, I say I'm headed in the opposite direction. It ends the conversation every time. You want to avoid someone hounding you for a ride or following you to your truck.
Always do laundry in the daytime at a decent truck stop or company terminal. Carry the dirty clothes over your shoulder in a draw-string bag rather than in your arms in front of you.
When you go to sleep at night, back the truck up to a wall or a telephone poll. This will prevent anyone from prying the doors open while you are sleeping.
Avoid desolate restaurants at night. Some of them are hang-outs for hookers and pimps, especially if there's truck parking nearby.
Always park your truck facing out, never park so that you have to back out to get away. This is common sense.
When parked for the night in a bad area, never get out of the truck and never leave anything open. Always keep your curtains closed and all doors locked. Keep a large sealable bottle in case nature calls before morning so you don't have to leave the truck.
I never had any problem with rest areas and usually slept better there than at a truck stop.
When you fuel your truck, always stay with the truck while fueling. Once finished pull up, but lock the doors when you leave to get your fuel receipt. This is a very common place for someone to hop into your truck and drive away. You would be surprised how many drivers leave the truck running with the doors unlocked, then go inside to get a cup of coffee and wait in line at the counter.
Unless the weather is extremely cold, shut the truck off when you are going to be out of it for a while. Always use the air cuff, and keep the keys for that separate from your ignition keys.
Never get into a situation where you have to ask someone you don't know for directions. Always try to get a police officer, someone from your company, or even a dock manager to give you directions, and try to get directions from more than one source. What you want to avoid is someone leading you into a one-way alley in the worst area of town. Best way is to get directions before you set off with the load, and if you have questions, use your cell phone to call your company or the customer.
Always, always, always carry a cell phone with a good 48-state network. Just imagine having an emergency and not being able to use your phone just because you are "out-of-network" or not near a big city. The extra cost of a good plan is well worth it and in some cases it is tax-deductible. This phone and possibly a Qualcomm will be your only connection with the rest of the world.
Never carry large amounts of cash. Opening a billfold to show large amounts of cash invites trouble. Truckstops are also not the place for wearing expensive jewelry. Leave it all at home.
Hope this information keeps someone safe.

Answer:
Originally posted by cadillac jack:
Always, always, always carry a cell phone with a good 48-state network. Just imagine having an emergency and not being able to use your phone just because you are "out-of-network" or not near a big city. The extra cost of a good plan is well worth it and in some cases it is tax-deductible.
Sharing your insight and experience is much appreciated, CJ. What cell company do you use/recommend that satisfies the "good 48-state" recommendation above?
DD

Answer:
I would say that AT&T has the most comprehensive network for cell phone service. It was the first to offer it and probably still has the best network. Today, Sprint PCS and Verizon have much better nationwide networks than they used to, but since I have never had a plan with either of those companies, I cannot comment. It might take some shopping around, but if it is a good nationwide plan, it will not come cheap. Do not be afraid to explain to the company (AT&T, Sprint, etc.) your cell phone needs as a driver and that you are not always going to be in or near a big city.

Answer:
Stun Guns,
Why can't drivers have stun guns on the road, I understand most police don't allow them but, what about others, I see most do?
Cell Phones,
Who is the best carrier for all 48 states and canada if possible? I also am considering a pay as you use Satellite phone for somewhere around $750 only for emgencies(cheap price for an emergency only phone that works anywhere), anyone think of this for emergencies?
Safety Items,
Would JJ Keller be the best place for these? Got any other places for them?
Alarms,
Will most companies let you put a truck alarm on your truck just incase of thieves?
I understand that all of this will cost money for the items, but I plan to use most of my first 2 years of pay on items I need on the road and pay off somethings.
Hey, if life throws you a curve ball, try and take a swing at it. Who knows what might happen