Comments By Trucker Chris (CK)

Your dash cam is insurance for your CDL. Don't buy something crappy because you save a few dollars. I run a Garmin 66W. Easy to use, 1440p, and pairs with my phone.

Those of us who are informed certainly know there is a correlation between large cities run by democrats and higher crime rates, centers of rioting, etc. My point is, why not list this cities in the OP? I mean, last I checked my atlas doesn't depict a large D or R over any cities to denote the political affiliation of it's leadership. But I can see this discussion is futile.

I have two friends who drive, one who is autistic and one who has ADHD. So it is possible, but will depend on your specific circumstances. They get a one year medical certificate, and the meds for ADHD will show up on a UA, so be sure it is prescribed to you, and that you have proof of that at all times.

If anyone reading wants or needs to know their rights regarding the carry out transportation of a firearm and wants to get it from a 2A and constitutional attorney , I recommend researching and following Ryan Kleckner and Gun University.

Excellent recommendation, thank you. You can never be "too informed."

These issues along with another one that you have unwittingly brought to light, censorship of dissident viewpoints, loom very large for new people entering the industry.

Censorship of dissident viewpoints.... cute. The issue here is too many get up on their soap box and start spouting off misinformation that can lead to career ending and life altering arrests (and later convictions.) These posts are also admissible in court, establishing intention. Not to mention many of the larger carriers maintain an in-house presence on this and other forums, and keep an eye out for posts from their drivers which may be actionable to prevent liability or at the very lease a PR issue down the road.

Using the term "Democrat cities" only serves to inflame. We all know where the rioting takes place; the inner cities where crime is already prevalent, where drivers (and everyone else) should be aware of their surroundings anyway. If you're down town in a large city, you need to be paying attention.

Talk of running over protesters/rioters? Stupid post establishing premeditation. Large carriers were pretty clear about how they would handle drivers stating they'd intentionally run over people, and it wasn't a pat on the back. The same DA's that won't prosecute rioters, theives and arsonists are the same that will giggle at the chance to put you away for life.

This industry isn't just for conservative Republicans anymore. My last three trainees have been progressive leftists, which has lead to some interesting (but always respectful) conversations and a general agreement to disagree. We are more than our political party affiliation.

The fact is, our gun laws are so different from state to state that carrying a firearm in your truck across state lines can land you with a lengthy prison sentence. NY and NJ are perfect examples of this. Until we have national reciprocity for CCW, it can't legally be done in all states (and even that would require a permit.) Just because you or I might live in a constitutional carry state means jack when we cross state lines. Believe me, I want to change that as much as you do, and the best way to do that is to vote for politicians and policy, and support organizations that advocate for the cause. But even then, there are issues that will still exist for drivers who choose to carry.

Most (all?) states allow private property owners to ban weapons on their private property, including Florida and Texas, and in Texas the sign says a violation is a felony.

Every large carrier I'm aware of with one notable exception has a policy or practice of banning weapons, especially firearms, from their property, trucks under their DOT and that contract with them. They're serious about it because it otherwise exposes them to massive liability if one of their drivers uses their weapon inappropriately. And then there's the driver at the mega carrier who shot his dispatcher, which is why several companies put them behind bulletproof glass.

In the end, drivers are going to make their own choices about which laws and policies they're going to violate, but shouldn't be surprised if they're confronted with content they posted publicly.

If you're concerned about your safety, by all means stay out of the areas with higher risk, but stuff can happen anywhere. Anyone remember the PFJ in Knoxville? Or the line haul driver taking shots from the off ramp? If you're concerned about being pulled out of your truck, lock your doors and keep your windows up, then drive away.

Be smart and be safe.

I haven't used them myself as I wear prescription glasses, but my student swears by them. I do wear prescription polarized sunglasses during the day and they make a major difference in glare.

^^^ 10 posts before someone started talking about arming themselves this time.

You will not find someone more conservative or more Pro 2A than I. This is not the place for political garbage.

Great to see you BACK, Chris!! (CK!)

Gorgeous pic. Glad life is treating you well! Kudos on the MOVE, too; WISE move, IMHO . . .

Best wishes;

~ Anne ~

ps: Didn't realize it was 'really you!' with the 'new' avatar, hahaha!

Thanks. Yes, escaping CA had been a goal for my wife and I for many years. There were a lot of reasons to flee, and Utah was everything we wanted.

Great to hear the story of how trucking has positively impacted your and your family's lives! And I appreciate your attitude as a trainer--taking the time to answer questions and educate your students. Continued success and good luck to you!

Thanks, and good luck to you too!

I predict a deletion for this unnecessary, likely inflammatory political thread...

Play nice, and stay safe.

You think this is unnecessary and an inflammatory political thread??? No, it's not. Last summer when this event occurred and BLM went to burning mostly "Democrat" towns, it was necessary to know where to go around the unrest. My safety guy just sent out an email reminding us to be mindful of riots and to call the office if we need help going around dangerous situations.

This should NOT be deleted.

Laura

And any driver who has more than air between their ears knows this. Anyone who was not in a coma for the last year is aware of where the rioting was taking place, who was responsible and how bad it was, even if they want to feign ignorance. Personally, I was delivering in Portland during the worst of it, and outside of downtown you wouldn't know anything was happening other than the smell of the fires. I've also been to a customer in Kenosha itself since the above referenced incident.

This is not the place for political commentary.

I consume news like a fat kid eats twinkies. As of right now, according to Fox News, there are no reported riots. I pray for continued calm, but use your common sense.

I think this would have better been stated as "Be careful in large cities and exercise vigilance, listen to local news radio and stay out of hot spots." However, this is advice that should be followed all the time anyway, regardless of the verdict of a jury trial, etc.

I predict a deletion for this unnecessary, likely inflammatory political thread...

Play nice, and stay safe.