Parking Safety

I've heard of more murderers and other wanted felons being arrested in rest areas than truck stops .

 

It will vary depending on the location. Your best defense against crime is to simply not answer the door when someone knocks on it.

Also, being polite goes a long way whenever you do bump into people at a truck stop or rest area.

 

truckstops are definetly safer, but if as a last resort you have to park in a rest area or similar, 1. there is safety in numbers, always park where there are more trucks, 2. know the nearest milemarker/exit and keep your cell phone nearby, 3. ALWAYS, ALWAYS lock your doors, check'em two or three times if you have to.

 

I actually prefer to stop at a truck stop. Simply because most rest areas are a pain in the ### to maneuver around. That, and I like to pig myself out on buffets. Nom, nom, nom, nom.

 

There's nothing to fear out there. Just be smart about it. Don't leave your doors unlocked. Don't talk to drivers about what your hauling or where you're going. Don't make yourself a victim. Never let anyone on your truck! Bums and beggars are going to come up to you and try to get on your steps to talk to you be loud and firm and tell them to step away or kick rocks! Don't give anyone an opportunity!

I have only had one incident and it was in the middle of nowhere in texas on a less traveled road. I pulled into a little rest stop with one other truck and when I pulled into my spot before pulling the brakes, I had someone jump up on my passenger steps and try to open the door! We always made it a point to drive with our doors locked and this proved why! Instead of getting confrontational I just threw it in gear and pulled out. The guy jumped off before I was completely out of the parking spot. Don't know what his intentions were but its not good if someone just trys to open your door!

I used to always carry a gun but at the time the company we drove for didn't allow them and it is a gray area as far as what states allow it and which ones don't. After that if my dog wasn't in the truck my gun was! Not really sure if I recommend it or not but personally I will never be caught with my pants down! I also had my wife with me all the time so that was something else to consider.

Other than this incident for the most part we felt pretty safe out there. Like I said you have to be smart and stay on your toes. My wife and I always went over safety not only driving but personal safety too. We really tried to always be prepared out there.

Pay attention when you are walking around, don't be flashy with your money or jewelry. Watch what you say on the radio. Some drivers put stickers on that truck that say retired law enforcement or dog on board or "protected by smith and wesson", stuff like that may be a deterrent. Some guys even hang hand cuffs up in their window. Another thing you can do is take two bungee cords and hook them on your airhorn across to your door handle on both sides. If someone were to break into your truck your horn will blow. Some owner ops use truck alarms but this is pretty much the same. Sometimes if we both went into the truck stop I would leave the tv on so it looked like there was someone in the truck. Another thing to consider is company apparel. Some people may notice what you are wearing and match it to the truck in the parking lot. If there is a fedex driver eating dinner and a fedex truck in the parking lot then they know right where you are and how long you will be.

There's so many little things you can do out there to stay safe. The most important thing is to always be aware and never, ever let your guard down.

Another really good thing a trucker can do and is taught in the homeland security classes is to always be aware of your surroundings and always take mental pictures of what is going on around you. Its very American to just be a space cadet and not pay attention to what the hell is going on around you. These are the people who become victims. Don't be easy prey!

 

Never once have I felt unsafe in this job. Just lock the doors, set the anti-theft password and pass out.

Never really worry about anyone stealing my freight. I think a 50,000 pound coil would be a bit tough to fence!

 

Do you guys reccommend moving the GPS, iPod, and the like out of view when you're out of the truck taking a dump, or grabbing a bite? Or even when sleeping? Perhaps a dumb question but I'm a noob.
Chompi's reply was great but would doing what I mentioned above be an overkill?

 

Not overkill at all ! Actually a very good idea, kinda like a clublock on your car steering wheel. It wont stop a determined criminal but deters the opportunistic thiefs. I make a point of keeping everything of value out of view in the cab. I wont even leave my jacket hanging in the cab when i go to sleep, i keep it in the sleeper out of sight. I figure a thief could think theres a wallet in the jacket pocket and try breaking in to get at it. Same with coins and small notes we all keep for tolls etc, keep it out of sight and it wont encourage the oppotunistic thiefs.

 

Doors should always be locked when driving. And also, as far as carrying a gun goes, what your company doesnt know wont hurt them.