Women Truckers

Course it doesn't help that women drivers are portrayed in trucker movies as idiots. Example: Convoy - The only trucker to roll their rig was a woman.

 

Things are alot better for female drivers. Now a days there are femmine hygiene products perfume panties oops said that word. But you get the gest 10 years ago not so much the problem with the guys is the same every where If you provoke them they go wild Most of the time I ride with the CB off and listen to XM I have had some good compliments backing my big ol blue Pete. It still is fun. God Bless Nanny

 

My first suggestion is be confident, not overbearing. Once the other drivers see you are serious and not to be confused with a "Bunk-Bunny" most will back off.

Don't be sensitive to remarks and profanity. You'll just fan the flames of idiocy. Look at it this way, do you really care what some stranger who doesn't know you from a hole in the wall thinks of you?

Ask questions and get your answers from more than one source.

Don't abuse your femininity. If you act like you "just can't get dirty" or "oh, golly-jee-whiz, can one of you big strong men do this for me?" you belittle yourself and every other driver out there trying to make it. Try and try again, then if you can't do it get help. If they see you trying to get it done, they will respect you for it and be more willing to offer JUST help.

And my number one suggestion: Keep yourself clean! You can find the time. There is nothing worse then standing by someone who smells, especially a woman (excuse the crassness) who is menstrating. We have all smelled that smell and know what it is. My husband and I drove team for 4 1/2 years, I've been driving solo for 1 1/2 years. All these years as flatbed. I've always found the time to keep myself clean.

I have more I could say but I see from other responses it hs mostly been covered.

Good Luck!

 

The women drivers I saw seemed to fit into the extremes: those who could drive well could drive better than most men. However, those who weren't great drivers were terrible drivers. There seemed to be no "middle ground" when it came to women behind the wheels.

 

I can say after 26 years of being an LTD I have a few things I do to keep safe out there.
Always be aware of everything and everyone around you. Go back in the truck stop or the building that you came out of if you think you are being followed.
Foget the purse, carry only enough money for tolls, use your debit or cc for everything else then you have reciepts for taxes. I never leave with over $50.00 in my pocket. Carry your cash and card in your pocket.
Never park in the back row, you're asking for trouble there, besides the lot lizards will drive you nuts.
Keep all the doors locked all the time. I don't even walk to the back of the trailer to open the doors without the doors being locked. Keys in hand all the time.
Mind your manners in person and on the CB, I don't even talk on the radio because I got sick of the "Hey Baby" crap. Wonder how those driver's would react to their wives, girlfriend, mothers and sisters being called "Baby" by a total stanger?
Try never to park at the same truckstop that you took a shower or got fuel at. Go some place else, that way most people won't know who's in the truck.
At the risk of getting my head chewed off on this statement, I shower late night, early morning and I park as close to the building as I can. I've even told the fuel desk I was parked at the fuel island because it's not safe to walk across the parking lot, I've never been told to move when I do that.
Walk and act like you own every where that you go, don't hang your head, and act nervous because that makes you a target.
Act like a lady and don't put up with any crap, other wise you'll be labled a lot lozard. Although sometimes it's best to let the brainless remarks slide as you can't do battle with an unarmed person. Consider the source.
Do not get in other driver's trucks and don't let them in yours, that's the fastest way to be branded a lot lizard. It doesn't matter if it is your brother most drivers don't know that and some wouldn't care. That makes you fair game.
Don't wear suggestive clothing, again the lot lizard treatment.
I carry a gun, do so at your own risk you can go to jail if you are caught, enough said on that. Mace probably works too, but there is the risk of the wind blowing it back in your face. A walking stick, or umbrella is a nice little tool as well.
You may be going the same way with other drivers, but never forget you don't know them, so be cautious about stopping with them. I've known people for more than 20 yrs and never been on the ground with them at the same time.
Don't ask for directions on the CB, call on the phone, no one needs to know where you are going.
On geting stopped by unmarked cars, call 911 and tell them you do not feel safe stopping for an unmarked car, request a marked vehicle. Don't stop in secluded areas, go to a lighted area. Again tell the 911 dispatcher that you will stop in a populated area. Most law enforcement will understand.
Last but not least, if a driver is really acting threatening, or vulger, call the police and or his company. It's against the law under EEOC law so that make the company he/or she drives for liable, yes I asked my lawyer on this one.
Don't talk about where you live where you are going, there are some real sick people out there. Had one show at my house once, major mistake for him.
I'm sure there are more tips I forgot. good luck and be safe out there.
Until Next time
Happy Trails
NightWind

 

The words of wisdom have been given and given good..It always pays to be on your toes..NightWind has the experience and so do a couple of the gals..But getting past the should nots there are some should do's have fun learn how to enjoy being you. The days are long and the nights are often lonly learn a new language study and you really need to get a laptop....Happy Happy Happy have great fun and remember to do something nice for someone today maybe yourself....

 

I dressed in what my male friend called trucker drag....big baggy jeans..shirts...and a cap pulled down to half cover hair and my face. I carried my mag flashlight in a manner that could be substituted for a weapon. I also carried a buck knife in my pocket. If someone asks if your driving solo tell them your team mate is in the bunk. Ziplock bags are great!!!!!!!

 

All good stuff, Nightwind.....I also suggest that you don't get into 'pissing' contests with male drivers on the CB, defending women drivers!! You won't change a redneck's prejudiced mind! As a 'guy,' I just do my own thing and to heck with anyone else. In fact, I don't even mess with the CB anymore since the only people you find on there are those who don't have a life and want to jaw----they really don't care what YOU have to say!!!