Self Defense in Dangerous Areas

I carry a can of Wuppas. Unfortunately I'm having a problem finding the can opener...

 

Always carried one of those 3 foot pry bars that I used for pulling out nails that shippers hammered into the van floor. Kept it right beside my seat.

 

I never really thought about needing a weapon of some sort on the road what are some other advice you guys could give about being safe on the road ?

 

mostly like everything else proper trip planning eliminates the need to be parked in those areas
at the time of day your life might be in jeopardy
poor trip planning says I was out of hours and stuck here it isn't my fault

 

Frankly, I don't carry a weapon per se. The most important thing you can do is simply be aware and walk with confidence. There's something to the aspect of how you comport yourself that can either make you a target or someone nobody wants to eff with. If you look like you are nervous, then chances are increased that you are going to get hassled. Look like you know what you are doing and walk with confidence. There's been studies done about body language and how it impacts your chances of becoming a victim of crime, can't remember where I read it, but just look like you can take on 20 Bruce Lee's and you should have no problem at all.

 

well if your new how you gonna know what areas are good for stopping and good for driving by

 

I'll have to disagree with Sir Trans Am Pete. Proper trip planning will put you right in front of the business of those places. We know the property value is cheaper to build in the hood then in the burbs. Come on man. Proper trip planning will tell you to have your soda pop, and sandwich, and portable potty handy so you don't have to get out the truck until its time to deliver.

Come on Beaaaaaak

 

Read through the Truckstops section of the forum:

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/truck-stops/

Another thing I do when researching where I might need to shut down for a 10 or 34 hour break is get on Google Maps and search for "truck stop". Often there are reviews and ratings for the truck stops. If I see things like "nasty bathrooms" "lot lizards" etc. I steer clear. I'll stay at the stop with the highest rating and reviews if I'm not familiar with the area.

 

You could keep a small 5 round .357 revolver in your truck. Just shutup about it and never tell anybody you have it.

Self defense, as in hand-to-hand, with or without some kind of other improvised weapon probably won't be of much use unless you've got the first hand experience and mindset for using it. Even then you can still get shot.

Best bet is learning awareness of your surroundings, don't start crap, and park in the well lit places with lots of witnesses around. If some crackhead comes for your money, just give it up. You could go through a few months of training in Krav Maga too if you find time.

I see many people carry a stun gun, but you've got to be able to use it fast and if the gunman is smart, he won't get within 10 feet of you in case you are armed.

The rest is just luck. So good luck with whatever you decide.

 

A tire thumper is a good one to carry around. A dry chemical fire extinguisher emptied into an assailant's face would do the trick, but then again so would a can of Mace or pepper spray.