Truck driving is a widespread career in the US with over 1.4 million individuals employed in the industry.
Having a profession as a truck driver may be quite rewarding for those who like being on the road. Read this blog for the best tips on how to protect your truck and yourself on the road.
We are all aware of how crucial safety is to our line of work. Certain commercial drivers may encounter unsafe conditions when working alone and transporting expensive goods. It’s important to know how to protect your truck and yourself. We’ve put up a list of suggestions on how to keep safe, because your vehicle, you, or both may be the target of an attack.
Best tips on how to protect your truck and yourself
You are not alone if you’ve ever felt your safety was in danger while driving. As an over-the-road driver, you might or might not be familiar with the locations you visit while across the nation. It might be uncomfortable and lonely at times. Sadly, certain individuals outside the trucking industry could be trying to harm or deceive you.
Oftentimes, you don’t hear much about how to protect your truck AND your personal safety. That’s why we made a list of tips on this subject:
Protecting and securing your truck
The danger of theft is slightly raised if you stay overnight outside of your truck because you’re leaving your truck and your goods alone. You may still take certain actions to lessen this danger, though.
Lock it
Although it might seem apparent, let’s start with the fundamentals. Of course, whenever you’re out or asleep inside the cabin, the vehicle has to be locked. Yet if you’re still awake in the vehicle, it’s a good idea to keep the doors closed and locked. It is better to be safe than sorry since you never know what can happen.
Put a mobile alarm to use
Most hardware stores have portable alarms, which are simple to install. The fact that you can simply acquire one online makes it a practical solution to protect your truck. These can deflect unwanted attention and warn those who may be around about your truck.
Parking in well-lit areas near the truck stop
It’s nice that the safe may also be cozy. Hence, look for areas that are well-lit and busy since light will probably scare off any possible threat.
Even though it’s not always practicable, you must try to park as near as you can to the truck stop. The majority of truck stops feature cameras, making it possible to record any potential problems.
Also, parking nearby saves you from having to make the late-night trek across parking lots in the dark.
Add extra locks on your cargo
Your trailer should always be sealed (and padlocked). In many cases, the clients will hand them over to you, but if not, place a lock. We even suggest that you install an additional lock to protect your truck and goods. If the lock is broken, you can tell whether your cargo has been messed with.
How can drivers protect themselves?
Knowing how to protect your truck is critical, you must also take precautions to safeguard yourself. Nobody is immune to unpleasant experiences; truck drivers are not an exception. Fortunately, due to safety training and collective experiences, being ready for this sort of circumstance is part of the routine for drivers.
Contact the police if you face a threat
Before contacting your driver management, contact the police if you feel uncomfortable or witness someone getting into your truck. Don’t leave your truck. Do not go outside and engage in an unsafe situation.
You may also make a call to the attendant if you are at a truck stop (if there is one). Truck stops occasionally have security, so if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation, they can help.
Contact your driver manager
On the roads, your driver manager has to be your closest ally. You should tell them if you ever feel uncomfortable.
Personal safety boundaries differ among individuals. Another person might not be bothered by anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. Never be embarrassed to discuss these restrictions with your driving management. Your standards for personal safety matter.
Speak to the driver manager if you receive a load offer but don’t feel comfortable dropping off in a certain location to see if something may be changed.
Be conscious of your surroundings
Try to be mindful of anyone beside and/or behind you when getting out of the truck. Again, this isn’t only for truck drivers; it’s for anyone out alone at night. Early detection of questionable conduct gives you more time to respond.
Charge your cellphone regularly
Your cellphone is the quickest way to contact help in an emergency. While leaving the vehicle, you should always have your phone with you, even if you’re only heading out for a quick check.