How is life on the road for the solo women drivers?

Tennessegirl, did WSE tell you how many miles to expect per week?

 

its the 2 legged kind.

 

Kinda is a critter.....

 

I don't think it's overkill at all. Lots of male drivers think all is fine and dandy in the world and that there aren't real dangers for the female drivers. But from what I have heard, the gals have a totally different perspective based on how they feel, what they've seen or heard; and when you are in an industry where women are a vast minority, surrounded by guys late at night...it CAN be a danger. Im not saying anything WILL happen...but if you just pretend that it wont because "awww.....psssshh..its not that bad...because I sad so"...then you arent facing reality.

I was simply offering advice on what I've heard. Schneider sends out messages about load thefts and tractor break ins at least once a week (which INCLUDES reports from other companies). On more than one occasion, they've mentioned the seatbelt through the doors idea. Someone on here just said about how one could break the window and undo the belt...I don't know how likely that actually could be because I can't see how anyone could reach that far through the window while on the top step and then monkeying with all that glass. Granted, its not a save all, but at least its an amount of protection nonetheless. I mean our tractors dont have the most sophisticated door lock technology...and the strap at least goes a step beyond that.

Sure, if someone really was that f'ed up and wanted to break in your truck that bad, they could do whatever they had to do...but if you are in a truck stop, I don't see how they could get away that easily with breaking windows...etc.

Then again...maybe thats just me. Id much rather overkill it and be safe, then pretend it isn't that bad because I don't want to think about bad stuff; and then have it actually happen.

 

From this man to you ladies: WHEN YOU GET OUT OF YOUR TRUCK, LOOK AROUND, KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS. WHEN WALKING LOOK AT THE PERSON WALKING TOWARD YOU, NEVER-NEVER LOOK DOWN, IF YOU DO YOU WON'T SEE THE ATTACK COMING. As other post said park in well lighted places.
I tell the samething to my wife & sisters-in law. Be safe & drive careful. Jim

 

Wow, that brought back memories!

 

TennesseeCountryGirl, all the best to you! Hope you get a good trainer and that he/ she will not try to take advantage of you. If so, call co. right away and ask for another trainer. Let us know how it goes. About parking, I prefer rest areas, don't park at big truck stops near or in big cities. Depending on where I park, I stay in the truck, put my curtains up so others can't see me inside... Always check around when you walk at truck stops and rest areas. Don't disclose your info to strangers. Someone told me to always carry my cell with me, a pepper spray and a whistle.... others told me to have a dog... anyway, use your best judgement, be street wise.

 

First off, good luck to you...I do feel sorry for women in this industry, seems like they cant carry a conversation on the radio without it coming down to you know what.....Get a gun...no matter what you do, if someone is looking for a woman, their gonna know your there. You have to get fuel, food, ect... Some of the drivers sitting in those truck stops could be/or have been there for hours (waiting on load, or waiting on drop time) and if they are going to do something chances are they had their eye on you when you drove in..A dog might scare the average person, but you dont need protection from the average person..A gun on the other hand will make anybody think twice about what their gettin ready to do, and when you pull that hammer back it has a way of changing their minds real quick. A dog would help, but a gun is full proof, no smelly messes to clean up, and you dont have to take it for walks, although you could.

 

Allot of female drivers get porta pots. It is a good idea so you can stay in your truck at night.
In lots if you walk in open areas, not between trucks you are usually going to be ok, especially when it is day time and allot of people are up and about.
I know that if I saw anyone going after anyone in a parking lot I would step in to help. I actually have with a guy messing with a female driver before. (the cops understood)
Another place to stay aware is when going to showers at truckstops. They are private locked rooms. Never open the door to one when you are alone, and when exiting try and look first.
Good luck. We need more female drivers out here. I am tired of only seeing guys. They are not good to look at.