Self Protection questions

Who told you firearms are a "no go". Not anyone from the Federal government. FMCSA has no regulations regarding firearms in commercial vehicles. It is only a carrier thing or local government issue as to what regulations there are regarding personal firearms. If you are in an area that does not ban personal firearms, and the carrier is ok with it, then pack a pistol, shotgun or whatever is legal to have. Sorry, fully automatic weapons, artillery guns, anti-aircraft missiles, etc are not allowed.

 

I carry an 8.8 million volt taser and a 4D Maglite. I leave my guns at home, too many questionable legal areas with interstate travel.

Nice things with a taser:
Cheap cost to obtain ($20-$50 for a decent one), more concealable than the smallest sub-compact handgun, no permit needed, legal in most of the 48 states, will lay out any size person for several minutes...
and best of all, no dead bodies left behind to have to be in court over later.

 

If you're a flatbedder, just stick the body under the tarp and dump it somewhere; just watch for those surveillance cameras.

 

The best thing about dead bodies is they can't sue!

 

Oh yeah. Still I'm sure someone will buy and add it to their "Truck Amory."

 

The lack of firearms is a company policy only, NOT a law. However, be aware of the laws of the state you are traveling in. Same goes for Mace, Pepper spray, or batons. There are plenty of "victim disarmament" zones in the US, the most egregious being (amazingly enough) Illinois.

If you are going to carry a firearm, make sure you have the proper permits for carry conceal. Research the Utah Non-resident CCW (costs $65 I think, and requires you to submit fingerprints for an FBI background check. You can learn more at handgunlaws.us.) to start, and maybe a Florida Non-resident CCW. That will give you something like 39 states (I think!) where you can safely and legally carry concealed. Make sure you understand the laws of each state before you carry in them.

Firearms are all well and good (I myself am waiting on my PA CCW), but there are plenty of other options available to a driver that don't require permits and are perfectly legal as well as not escalating a situation to lethal levels. Plenty of drivers have mentioned the ever present hammers, pry bars, and tire thumpers. Allow me to add the "load bar" found on every flatbed pulling rig out there. Something about a three foot length of heavy grade steel in your hand will cause most assailants to look for easier targets. A solid hit with a load bar will break bones. Arms, legs, ribs, even a skull...so be careful where you swing it. Stand your ground and self-defense laws differ from state to state, and they rarely fall on the side of the defender in a violent situation (another result of a "legal" system where the criminal has more rights than the victim).

Best of all possible worlds is to carry yourself if such a way as to not appear to be a victim in the first place. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, just like when you are driving. Keep your head on a swivel, note each and every individual around you, and have a plan to deal with a possible situation or to escape at all times. Amazingly enough, the SMITH system you learned for driving big truck also works on foot. Make use of every tool in your toolbox.

In sunny weather or a well lit parking lot, you may see a person's shadow before you see the person, especially if they are behind you. Shiny chrome and clean windows make great mirrors. Walk tall, keep your shoulders back and your core taut (also helps to tighten the gut and lower back muscles) and if you need to acknowledge another person, look'em straight in the eye. 99 times out of 100, if they were planning on attacking you they will back down if you appear to be aware and confident.

While its true that I am only now gettting a CCW for a firearm, I've carried concealed knives for ###### near two decades (concealed knives are illegal ###### near everywhere! If you do this, you risk the possibility of felony conviction and prison time depending upon the laws of where you get caught!), and have only been forced to pull twice. I've been in tense situations many times, but have avoided them using the tips I offered above. Don't be a victim!

 

Just a note of warning, PA is considering outlawing the use of tasers by private citizens. Blame the idiots in Philly (our version of Commie-fornia) using their tasers as freaking toys instead of the weapons they are.

 

Most driver inattention to the area around them is there own worst enemy. for attention to your surroundings is the best thing you can do to protect yourself. And stay out of truckstops. Do your business, showers, blocking fuel island, eating at the pump, what ever your business is and leave. Even if is my 10 I'd rather park behind Denny's.

 

I would agree with you whole heartedly, but the nation as a whole is getting more dangerous as people get more desperate. In a truckstop, you have at least a small chance that other drivers will step in and help resolve the situation. Generally, the assailant is not a driver and there are still a few drivers who believe in the old brotherhood (many of them post right here, or at least lurk in the shadows). Behind the Denny's you've got nobody.

For myself, I normally tried to stay where there were other drivers in the area (truckstop, shipper/reciever, company yard or droplot), but that's what worked for me. Other drivers have their own methods of staying safe on the road. My recommendation is to gain as much knowledge as you can, and develop a safety situation that works best for you.

 

If you have to park in a bad area (inner city rathole truck stops, industrial areas, pickle parks designated by good buddies as a congregating point, some back alley...etc) pull your fifth wheel. All that a person has to do to disable is pull the red airline and you are stuck. If you need to flee, leave the trailer.