Truckers as Crime Victims - Truckers' Trucking Forum

gunflint · **^ Top** #1 11.10.2007

It looks as though I'll be starting driving a flatbed in the mid-west around the first of the year. My question is this. Is it just as dangerous outside the cab as in? Is there situations to avoid? I would imagine truck stops are reasonably safe because of the other truckers around. But what are some situations or areas that should be raising red flags? Thanks

coastie · **^ Top** #2 11.11.2007

At a truck Stop you will be comforted with the same things as if you are in any City. Just use your best judgment. If it looks dangerous, good chance it is. Be aware what going on around you. In time you will learn where the bad Truck Stops are, and the good ones.

Cybergal · **^ Top** #3 11.11.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunflint

It looks as though I'll be starting driving a flatbed in the mid-west around the first of the year. My question is this. Is it just as dangerous outside the cab as in? Is there situations to avoid? I would imagine truck stops are reasonably safe because of the other truckers around. But what are some situations or areas that should be raising red flags? Thanks

Personally....I would keep my GUARD up at all times no matter the place!

Rest Areas are known for trouble, some more then most.

Truckstops can be just as bad too.

MXH · **^ Top** #4 11.11.2007

You will be OK.

Criminals that hang out at truck stops are usually end-of-the rope drug addicts, more prone to begging than stealing--HOWEVER, professional criminals target specific drivers: Owner operators paying $300+ cash for fuel, or anyone hauling KNOWN high-value loads.

The real pros are always inside jobs, and as long as YOU aren't a criminal, you have nothing to worry about. For example, a driver stops at a place where someone he knows can steal his load.

The only criminals I fear are the random wierdos high on something and nobody can predict. And that can happen anywhere.

Hazard85 · **^ Top** #5 11.14.2007

Sorry about Hijacking your thread, but I have an odd but relevant question. I'm concerned about being in a truck stop bathroom, either on the throne or in the shower, and having someone come in, turn out the lights and then rob me blind. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing?

newbiewannadoitright · **^ Top** #6 11.14.2007

Most truckstops have locked, private shower rooms, no problem there. If you are in one of the public johns in some stops, that could be a possibility, but never heard of it happening. Most Flying J's have solid wall separted stalls with heavy wooden doors. Not a vault mind you, but relatively secure. I don't think you can just turn the lights out, as a breaker box somewhere else in the building controls the lights. Last but not least I usually have a surefire flashlight in my pocket. I have been in internal areas of buildings when the power went out, and everybody was feeling around trying to find their way out.

CEN03 · **^ Top** #7 11.15.2007

How do your companies feel about CCW? Do any companies allow? I image that is the first issue they cover. CCW are not allowed in some States because do not have a reciprocal agreement. Illinios, and
Washington, D.C. are the only ones you can not have a weapon.
So, can you just store it in you bunk to be safe for 48 states and not go thru Illinios and D.C.?
Or does DOT just say NO?

jagrizzl · **^ Top** #8 11.18.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by CEN03

How do your companies feel about CCW? Do any companies allow? I image that is the first issue they cover. CCW are not allowed in some States because do not have a reciprocal agreement. Illinios, and
Washington, D.C. are the only ones you can not have a weapon.
So, can you just store it in you bunk to be safe for 48 states and not go thru Illinios and D.C.?
Or does DOT just say NO?

DOT does not allow guns in any trucks, neither do most companies either... I wish they did but as a professional driver, aka. your cdl, you are not allowed to carry a firearm. I have heard of ways of getting around it but never tried it. Use your tire thumper or flashlight if you need a weapon...

mandiesel · **^ Top** #9 11.19.2007

Think the biggest criminals truckers have to watch for are the companies they work for and Uncle Sam.

sassytrucker · **^ Top** #10 11.19.2007

I would have to say just watch out and keep your guard up at all times. My brother-in-law just started driving, he has about 5 months left on his contract at USA, and he has already been robbed twice.

One of the times was at gunpoint and they took everything including his shoes!!!

But I will say that he is a small guy and drives solo. I am too worried about when hubby and I start because we will be together and if I saw my hubby come out of the truck I would run if I were a criminal. He is a BIG guy and I don't mean just weight! But even big guys can get robbed, they can't stop a gun!

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