The trucking community was taken aback after a Werner driver was taken hostage in the wee hours by two suspects fleeing arrest. After a chase down I-70 in the London, Ohio, area, police exchanged gunfire with the pair. The armed couple were fatally shot and the trucker was rescued, sustaining only minor injuries. But the incident raises the issue of overnight parking safety at rest areas and truck stops.
Although the alleged felons were more interested in escaping law enforcement than hijacking the cargo, industry leaders are cognizant that criminals routinely target trucks. To minimize risk, companies have outfitted rigs with surveillance cameras CDL holders can activate during non-service hours. At Home Run trucking, based about 30 miles from the recent hostage situation, vice president Tom Milby advocates for “situational awareness.”
“If you’re at a truck stop, stay in a lit area. Always watch your surroundings going from and to the truck. And stay in a safe, more populated truck stop,” Milby reportedly said. “Drivers, you know, all the training in the world, these thieves they’ve been doing this probably a long time. And yeah, they scout things out very well.”
These are other situational safety tips truck drivers would be well-served to practice when resting or parking overnight.
Prioritize Pull-Through Parking: In the event you encounter a potential hijacker, being positioned at a pull-through spot may provide a quick escape. While a criminal is trying to get inside, start the engine and drive. If no pull-through spots are available, consider backing into a space you can drive forward from in an emergency.
- Travel With A Dog: A mid-sized canine usually serves as a strong deterrent to people with bad intentions. This security measure changes the dynamic for criminals who might otherwise see you as low-hanging fruit.
- Surveil the Area: Before exiting your rig, recon the immediate area. Look for anyone who appears to be watching truck movement or just hanging around. Legitimate travelers are typically weary and stop to use the facilities or stretch their legs.
- Defensive Products: Truckers too often find themselves in less-than-safe situations due to the national parking shortage. It may be worth considering purchasing self-defense products such as pepper spray, among others.
At the end of the day, tired truck drivers are tasked with their own safety. One of the keys is to always keep your doors locked. That holds true whether you are sitting in the diver’s seat or fast asleep.
Sources:
https://news.yahoo.com/area-trucking-company-shares-keep-002304772.html
https://interstatemc.com/2016/12/13/8-tips-safe-parking-rest-stops-truck-stops/
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