Self Preservation on the road

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Oaktown, Jan 3, 2013.

  1. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

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    deliver downtown detriot , downtown miami chicago atlanta baltimore all at 2 am
    i need more protection from fellow drivers that have no buisness behind the wheel let alone a gun
    then i need anything else
    the answer is less guns not more for the seriously deranged paraniods
     
  2. camaro68

    camaro68 Medium Load Member

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    lol........It's not my own shadow I would be worried about.
     
  3. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    There have been instances where drivers have had their doors broken into and been robbed in their trucks while they slept. It really doesn't take much to break into a truck. If you cross the border or go into ports or some military installations, you may not want to carry a gun. While most military bases are cool about having a gun, there are a few that frown on having a gun in your truck. Some will allow you to check it with the base and pick it up as you leave. Some bases are more thorough with their checks than others and could change based upon the current threat level. There are some bases where my truck is always searched. I have had some to check everything including the toilet.

    The best deterent is to be careful where you park. Like others have stated, try to only park where other trucks are parked. If you need to go into a bad neighborhood, try to not park over night and go in shortly before your delivery or pick up unless the shipper has a safe place to park.
     
  4. PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    In my career I have only been threatened once and that was over an almost backing accident. Guy came at me for almost hitting his truck.
     
  5. Oaktown

    Oaktown Light Load Member

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    Ok, thanks everybody. Think I want a full-auto three pound hammer.
     
  6. NavigatorWife

    NavigatorWife Road Train Member

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    Someone in other posts mentioned a can of wasp spray also, it will spray several feet. The border patrol inspection stations have laser scanners also. IF a spot makes you feel uneasy for some reason, like one in IA did us when we were parked at one of the roadside areas with no facilities, leave as soon as possible, and don't get out of the truck, learn to work with the sixth sense feelings, you hate to be paranoid and jump at every spider but sometimes that is what it takes.

    I rode with my husband for a year and except for that one roadside incident we never had any problems, we never went anywhere without the both of us going. I suppose you could put a couple of things around in view that would look like you had a wife or girlfriend in the truck with you, no one would know for sure, keep the back curtain closed.
     
  7. Voltrucker

    Voltrucker Medium Load Member

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    Some drivers like parking in the back with nobody around. Not safe. I recommend parking in a well lit parking lot. Try to park by the fuel island because there's more traffic and crooks aren't likely to bother you. Nobody has mentioned a tasor. If you feel comfortable carrying one, go for it. Just keep it hid but have it convenient where if something happens, it's handy to get. After you taze him, GET OUTTA THERE!!!!
     
  8. ChuckK70

    ChuckK70 Light Load Member

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    Be careful with tasers. They are not legal for civilian use everywhere. Know the law before making a decision.

    http://www.defenseproducts101.com/statestatutesummary_page2.html
     
    NavigatorWife Thanks this.
  9. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Gotta love it.
     
  10. Ghost Ryder

    Ghost Ryder Road Train Member

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    You could mummify someone too.