Question:
I am still contemplating going to school and getting involved in this industry and the one thing that I keep thinking about is exactly how safe is it? What's the best way to stay safe out there if you are a woman by herself? How come people say sometimes you can't shower everyday? Can't you always find a truckstop for 30 min. and take a shower? Is it really lonely? Or do people make all of it this way by choice? Maybe not I don't know. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God Bless everyone.

Answer:
Originally posted by LoriAz:
I am still contemplating going to school and getting involved in this industry and the one thing that I keep thinking about is exactly how safe is it? What's the best way to stay safe out there if you are a woman by herself? How come people say sometimes you can't shower everyday? Can't you always find a truckstop for 30 min. and take a shower? Is it really lonely? Or do people make all of it this way by choice? Maybe not I don't know. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God Bless everyone.
1. Safety on the road for women: First off do not do anything to draw attention to yourself. Do not let anyone know that you are a solo driver. If you don't tell most will think you are part of a team. Secondly do not stop at rest areas after dark to use the restroom. Third keep a few items of men's clothing like a couple of shirts in the trucks and toss one onto one of the seats when you go to bed. Some women drivers also go to the added precaution of not actually sleeping at the same truck stops they fuel, eat and shower at. The biggest piece of advice though for anyone is to always be aware of your surroundings and to trust your instincts. If something seems dangerous or wierd leave the area immediately and get help if need be.
2. Showers: It is not uncommon not to have time to shower every day but you should have time every other day at least. The reason being is that there can often be long waits for a shower (I have seen 4 to 5 hour waits) and your schedule may only allow an hour or two to fuel, shower, and eat. Also it is possible to have spent the last day or so sitting in some warehouse waiting for to be loaded or unloaded, and then have a tight schedule on the next load. However there is no reason why you can not carry some baby wipes and a few gallons of water to at least clean up a bit on those days you are unable to get a nice hot shower.
Lonliness is really a state of mind. If you are the type who needs a lot of human contact on a daily basis then yes you will find trucking to be very lonely. If on the other hand you are the type who truly appreciates solitude and a sense of freedom then the lonliness for the most part will be, at the very least, tolerable. You have to understand that for the most part the only contact with others you are going to get is when you fuel, eat, and at the docks, and for the most part this is short lived. Calling family and/or friends for even 10 minutes a day though can go a long way to help temper any feelings of lonliness you may have.
Only two things I know of are infinite. The universe and human stupidity, and I am not real sure about the universe.
Answer:
Originally posted by LoriAz:
I am still contemplating going to school and getting involved in this industry and the one thing that I keep thinking about is exactly how safe is it? What's the best way to stay safe out there if you are a woman by herself? How come people say sometimes you can't shower everyday? Can't you always find a truckstop for 30 min. and take a shower? Is it really lonely? Or do people make all of it this way by choice? Maybe not I don't know. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God Bless everyone.
Ahh, the 'long, lonesome road!' - Yeah, it can be lonely out there but it can even be lonely in your own house with family around at times. Your time alone is what you make of it.
Showers everyday are nice if they can be managed but sometimes you really don't want to spend time in some of the shower facilities you will run into...
You may want to check out the info at www.newbiedriver.com - This is a website run by a woman trucker and she's got some interesting insights... Good luck!I ride for those who can't! POW/MIA - You are NOT forgotten!!
Lead, Follow or get out of my way!!!

Answer:
Thank you everyone for the advice. Everytime I come out here everyone is really helpful and nice. The more I think about it though the more I think I'm not going to do this. I could be raped and murdered out there and I guess I sound like a wuss but I'm really girly and feminine and I'm not a loud aggressive person and I don't know what kind of people lurk around in truck stops. Some of them must be nice because everytime I come out here you all seem like really nice people but I think unless I was in a team probably with a guy I wouldn't do it. Or maybe do that first and see how I like it before I would go on my own. Anyway, thanks for the info God Bless.

Answer:
Originally posted by LoriAz:
The more I think about it though the more I think I'm not going to do this. I could be raped and murdered out there and I guess I sound like a wuss but I'm really girly and feminine and I'm not a loud aggressive person and I don't know what kind of people lurk around in truck stops.
Don''t blow it off yet... Find someone to run with for a week or ten days. See if it's for you. As far as being 'really girly and feminine' don't let that stop you. I saw a young lady got out of a rig the other day that wouldn't tip the scales at 110. She was 'girly and feminine' and 100% percent professional. She did her thing, got in her rig and drove off. And what she did when someone made a rude comment was classic. Didn't say a word, just looked him up and down like he was something she had found sticking to her boot.
She didn't have a thing to prove to anyone.. She had already proved it.. She was a Solo driver in a 'Big Rig.' 'Nuff said... I ride for those who can't! POW/MIA - You are NOT forgotten!!
Lead, Follow or get out of my way!!!