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What do you have to defend yourself?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Code Red NV, Feb 24, 2016.

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  1. Feb 24, 2016 #1
    Code Red NV

    Code Red NV Light Load Member

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    I'm a newbie to trucking (just in my CDL class now), but I've been on different trucking forums for a little bit now, and one of the reoccuring stories I hear is about drivers being threatened and assaulted, either at a truck stop or on the road. It's sort of frightening.

    So, I'll ask, what do you carry in your truck to defend yourself?

    And what advice would you give to newbie truckers on how they should defend themselves?
     
    Code Red NV, Feb 24, 2016
    Code Red NV, Feb 24, 2016
    #1
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  3. Feb 24, 2016 #2
    Justin Sane

    Justin Sane Light Load Member

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    a can of bug spray in the tractor
     
    Justin Sane, Feb 24, 2016
    Justin Sane, Feb 24, 2016
    #2
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  4. Feb 24, 2016 #3
    Yves kanevil

    Yves kanevil Medium Load Member

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    A metal tire thumper works very well
     
    Yves kanevil, Feb 24, 2016
    Yves kanevil, Feb 24, 2016
    #3
    Dominick253 and Superquack Thank this.
  5. Feb 24, 2016 #4
    Cottonmouth85

    Cottonmouth85 Bad Influence

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    Being aware of your surroundings constantly is the best defense. Don't be complacent and don't present yourself as a soft target.

    Another thing to keep in mind is this... if someone pulls a knife on you at a rest area do you really wanna blow their head off over pocket change?
     
    Cottonmouth85, Feb 24, 2016
    Cottonmouth85, Feb 24, 2016
    #4
    Mudguppy, Texnmidwest, tinytim and 5 others Thank this.
  7. Feb 24, 2016 #5
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Absolutely!
     
    AModelCat, Feb 24, 2016
    AModelCat, Feb 24, 2016
    #5
    Chewy352, LuDiesel, hipshot and 15 others Thank this.
  8. Feb 24, 2016 #6
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    I'm kidding. Not worth it over a few bucks. Besides, I never carry or even own a handgun.
     
    AModelCat, Feb 24, 2016
    AModelCat, Feb 24, 2016
    #6
    gokiddogo and Cottonmouth85 Thank this.
  9. Feb 24, 2016 #7
    Balakov100

    Balakov100 Road Train Member

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    Nothing, never had a problem either.
     
    Balakov100, Feb 24, 2016
    Balakov100, Feb 24, 2016
    #7
    PhillipFlanders and Longarm Thank this.
  10. Feb 25, 2016 #8
    austinmike

    austinmike Road Train Member

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    Hand grenades
     
    austinmike, Feb 25, 2016
    austinmike, Feb 25, 2016
    #8
    Leo1987 and Cottonmouth85 Thank this.
  11. Feb 25, 2016 #9
    dngrous_dime

    dngrous_dime Road Train Member

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    I carry a blade at all times, not just for defense, but it's a tool. Situational awareness, always thinking about how to be the last man standing in any scenario. If it's doubtful I could remain standing, it's not a situation I want to be in, and I remove myself as soon as possible.
     
    dngrous_dime, Feb 25, 2016
    dngrous_dime, Feb 25, 2016
    #9
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  12. Feb 25, 2016 #10
    8thnote

    8thnote Road Train Member

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    I carry a pocket knife. Does that count as a weapon?

    Seriously though, I've been doing this for seven years and I've never had a problem. My wife, who is 5'5" and 120 lbs, drove otr for 6 years and she never had a problem. Just be aware of your surroundings, as you would anywhere, and you'll be fine.
     
    8thnote, Feb 25, 2016
    8thnote, Feb 25, 2016
    #10
    PhillipFlanders Thanks this.
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