How do I pIrotect myself on the road?

I always carry mace, even in my personal vehicle. Park in well-lit areas, lock your doors, all good suggestions.. and if you talk on the CB to aks for directions or parking, don't identify yourself along with your truck color, company, truck number, etc.

 

Walk with purpose, make eye contact, carry a personal alarm such as http://www.pimall.com/nais/paltwo.html , buy a voice synthesizer for your cb.


Ok the last one is just to avoid the instant friends you will find when they here a female on the cb

 

One thing you can do for any break-ins attempted while you're in the truck is wasp spray. shoots a stream 25 ft and, from what I've read, (I've never tried it. I carry a .45) it will incapacitate an aggressor quite well. The cool thing is, it won't be questioned as to why you have it.
Outside the truck, a lot of good advice preceded mine, save for certain individuals that feel the need to stray from the topic.

 

if i was otr, i would carry a pistol (concealed) whether it was legal or not

 

The gun issue has been discussed beyond reason. My opinion is a gun is not worth the trouble. You'll be held up at the scene for hours and there may be a chance you'll be charged for using deadly force illegally. Plus you may be fired. I've been in some areas at night dropping gasoline that I wouldn't go there in the day time. I'm all alone and a prime target. We discuss this problem at our safety meetings and most of us have a tire checker at hand but the most important item we all use is having your head on a swivel. Watching your surroundings and having a phone at hand has help us more than anything else.

We're not delivering at some location OTR but going to stations all night long. Some are open but many are closed. We've had drivers shot at (over their heads) and we've had trucks taken. The company tells us to give the truck away because a truck can be replace. We are only there 20 minutes so the idea is to get in and out without making a scene. If the drop is too scary we had made arrangements for another truck to stop by and hang out if possible.

There's always a way to unload safely without taking the chance of killing someone. A lot of drivers say carry a gun and use it when trouble comes your way. That's ok if you know ALL the laws and when to use deadly force which I believe about 10% know. Just ask your company what their policy is on carry a deadly weapon is and I would guess most would say no. So if you have a great job think about other ways to protect yourself. I'm sure I'm going to hear from the chest puffers that it's better to be alive then dead but there are other non lethal weapons you could use..

Just remember to be aware of your surroundings and avoid any contact with people that come up to you.

 

all minor inconveniences compared to being murdered

 

I have been traveling over the road for many years in different types of business travels.

NONE of the companies I have worked for allowed weapons in vehicles.

I have taken walks in very violent areas because I like to walk.

I have never carried a weapon in a truck and not lost any sleep.

I cross the border between Canada and the US frequently.

If you worry so much about it, you are better off not being out here.

 

ive been robbed at gunpoint twice...never again...both were even before i became a truck driver

not to mention being jumped and shot at once

this is how i feel, and this is not directed just at you roadmedic......if you do not like guns, choose not to carry a gun, fine, that is your right........but to tell me i cant carry one is tyranny

because in the end, the criminals are still going to have them, legal or not

 

I have considered the potential of the Truck Fire Extinguisher face blast as an improvised weapon.

I've heard that as it can "suffocate" a fire it also has a suffocating effect on humans. Suddenly they have a face full of spray and choking for oxygen then you smash them in the face.

 

Never said I do not like guns nor whether I own one.

I have worked for many companies in and out of trucking where the possession of one on company business would be instant firing.

I do not have a fear of losing my life or dying or worry about personal safety.

I have went to shooting scenes as a paramedic and will not enter it until it is secure. My life is more important.