By Leslie Radford
As discussed in the previous post, Women in Trucking: An Overview, truck driving can be a lucrative career and rewarding lifestyle, but it also comes with certain challenges. It's inevitable that you will encounter some interesting experiences on the road, from delivering loads to unknown areas to parking in less than desirable truck stops and roadside parks to meeting other people. And as a female driver, you are at a heightened risk of being in a situation you don't want to be.
Despite this, it's an industry that truly is and can be for everyone. Understanding the potential dangers of the job and staying alert, aware, and prepared at all times will help you minimize them, so that you can remain safe and focus on the job at hand - driving.
Here are 6 tips that can help you stay safe on the road.
1. Be Aware of your surroundings
This is THE number one tip for truck driver safety. Always be aware of your surroundings when outside of your truck. Truck stops can be dangerous places and a place of heightened risk of sexual harassment and assault. Many travel centers have poor lighting, which makes it hard to see other people and wildlife. Staying alert and aware can help to minimize the safety risk you face.
Stay vigilant
It's easy to get caught off guard if you aren't paying attention. Keeping your eyes open and constantly scanning in front and behind you at all times can help you notice what is going on around you and ward off lurkers or others engaging in suspicious activity.
When walking across a dark parking lot at a truck stop, don't stare down at your phone and don't wear earbuds. Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries so you can see around you. Lurkers want to catch you off guard and if they see you watching for them, they're less likely to confront you. Also don't walk between trucks as this makes it harder for you to be seen. You don't want to be mistaken for someone trying to creep up on someone and catch them off guard.
Have a self defense plan
Sometimes it's about the way you carry yourself. If you appear weak and meager, you may be more susceptible to being confronted. Have confidence and let others know you're not someone to be messed with.
Look into taking a self-defense class and keep anything accessible that you could defend yourself with in the event that something happens. You may not want to or be able to carry a gun, but you can carry a taser (allowed in most states) or common tools you'd keep on your truck like a screwdriver or hammer; it's not ideal if you get attacked, but you can do some damage and hopefully dissuade the attacker. Bear spray, pepper spray, or wasp spray shoots at a distance and can stave off animals and people alike; it's good to keep in your truck door and they also make pepper spray for key chains.
Park in public areas
Whenever possible, park in the front line, or under a light. Although it's not ideal to pay to reserve a spot, it is the safest option, especially if you drive late and know you are going to have to sleep in a less than reputable spot.
Drivers get in an uproar about parking in fuel lanes for a bathroom break, but if you feel unsafe in an area, do it anyway -- they'll get over it.
Stay in your truck
Do whatever you can to prevent getting out of your truck at night (even if it means peeing in a cup and emptying it in the toilet the next day)! You can also purchase a portable toilet for comfort. Try to take showers in the middle of your shift (like on your 30) to avoid doing it in the evening when it's less safe and more crowded.
When sleeping in your truck, go beyond just locking your doors. You can loop the seatbelt through the door handles so that, even if the doors were to come unlocked, it would give you time to defend yourself. Your air horn is an excellent tool in case of emergency. If someone breaks into your truck, blow your air horn if possible. You can run a rope, fishing line, or other cord from your air horn lanyard to your sleeping area. This way, you can blow the air horn from your bunk in case of an emergency.
Install a camera
Cameras may be expensive, but consider purchasing one to monitor the activity around your truck. A camera may be especially useful in the case of a break-in while you are out of the cab, when you may at least be able to capture a photo of the perp to give to authorities.
2. Be Prepared
Good safety habits begin before you even get into your truck.
Reduce chances of breakdowns
Always do a thorough pre-trip inspection daily to reduce the chance of a breakdown. Check tires, headlights, oil, washer fluids, airlines, clean mirrors, etc. If you need to make repairs, it's much better to make them in a controlled area, on your terms, rather than unexpectedly on the side of the road.
Plan out your route
Planning your route in advance is also important. GPS devices are useful but shouldn't be relied on 100%. Compare routes on a phone app and/or a paper map. Know exactly where you are going and locate places you can pull into in case of emergency. Plan out where you will break, fuel, park, and sleep. Keeping your cell phone charged and constantly accessible for any situation will ensure you can make real time changes to your plan when needed.
Stock up on supplies
If you do get shut down, or have to sit for a day(s) on the side of the road, make sure you have plenty of food and water on your truck. Packets of tuna, crackers, fruit, bottled water, etc. can be a lifesaver if you're broke down in the middle of nowhere or caught in an ice storm for a few days.
3. Stay Informed
A variety of technology tools are available to help ensure safety on the road. CB radios may seem outdated, but they're a great way to communicate traffic, weather, and need for assistance. The Trucker Path app helps you find truck stops, check parking availability, and read safety reviews. You can also monitor the Weather Network and Waze Maps regularly.
4. Trust Your Instincts
As a woman, it's common to be approached by men who say inappropriate things, or by scam artists thinking they can get one over on you. Less likely, you'll be a victim of a crime, but you still need to be aware of the dangers you may face on the road.
The best thing you can do when approached is to stand your ground. Whatever the situation, don't second guess yourself. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Even if you look a little silly yelling in a parking lot at someone or blowing a whistle to draw attention to your situation, your safety is an absolute top priority.
Some drivers may come to your rescue during a situation or even be friendly by helping you back up in a tight spot and then inviting you to dinner, but be careful. Make sure that if you do accept an invitation from a fellow driver that you are upfront about your intentions. Don't invite people back to your truck (or go to theirs), and never tell strangers where you're parked or where you're going. Be safe and trust your intuition.
5. Share your location with dispatch and/or a loved one
Even though you may drive for a company that tracks your whereabouts, it's always a good idea to tell your dispatcher where you're parked for the night. Share your travel plans with a friend or family member just in case something comes up and you need to be found. This will give you peace of mind that should something happen, someone knows the last place you were.
6. Find a companion
Consider finding someone else to travel with, whether it be team driving or in a group, so that you're not alone. Many female drivers also choose to bring a furry co-pilot or two, to keep company and also help to avoid a bad situation. If neither of these options are possible or desirable to you, you can get a team driving sticker for your truck to ward off any unwanted attention on or off the road.
Have additional safety tips? Please share them in the comments below!
Other relevant articles:
Women in Trucking: An Overview
Women in Trucking: 8 Ways For Men to be Allies
