How Does A Truck Driver Protect Themselves

OK so I've had to shut down in Memphis tn and west Memphis ar and never had a problem... Try to park as close to the store as possible, well lite areas and a tire thumper and a good dog and you shouldn't have a problem... I've been trucking 9 months and never felt that my life was on the line or have I ever seen a hooker (lot lizard).,. Trucking is like anything in a normal lifestyle just use common sense and you will be ok..

Scott testifies:

I've been trucking 9 months and never felt that my life was on the line or have I ever seen a hooker (lot lizard).,. Trucking is like anything in a normal lifestyle just use common sense and you will be ok..

Do not live in fear. It is true you should be prepared, and you are when you pay attention to your surroundings. Nothing wrong with having a tool handy for your defense. But as Scott says, common sense is your best defense.

True, ladies have to be "more prepared", but generally trucking is like any other lifestyle.

Dustin, be aware that very few companies are going to let you bring that dog with you. I've had German Shepherds for years - love em - nothing in the world like em. But companies have pet policies and very few companies will allow German Shepherds.

To make matters much worse, he's a puppy. He's going to chew everything to bits.

Finally, be aware that you're not going to be able to bring him during your training phase on the road. Depending on the company, that's going to be anywhere from two weeks to over two months. Someone will have to watch him for you.

I love those dogs more than anything in the world but it's the last dog on Earth I'd want with me in a truck. They're so big and heavy you're going to have a heck of a time getting him in and out of the truck. And of course the shedding.....omg.

We do have a great List of Trucking Companies That Allow Pets so check that out. It's going to require a sizeable deposit and often times a fee of some sort.

I've thought about the same thing... When I was a kid, my dad drove for North American. He kept a very sharp fillet knife on the wall in his bunk. I just thought it was the knife he used to cut up his daily apple. When I asked him about it he told me it was his last defense after his tire thumper. He drove for 20 years and never had a problem.

A 6 battery maglight flashlight gripped near the bulb, and carried on the shoulder can be easily flipped forward. Cops are taught to use them that way at night stops. I have seen guys put a spiked biker bracelet near the end for a little extra "thump" if needed.

If it looks like a duck quacks like a duck and walks like one then it must be one... Same with weapons DOT will and can charge you for carrying one... Best bet is to have a tool that you use and can be flipped into a object that can put some hurting on someone... Is tire thumper ...

There is nothing in the DOT regulations about weapons. Now in some states the DOT officer is also a state trooper and they may charge you with something but don't make people think this is a dot regulation because it is not.

Being aware of your surroundings is the best thing. Don't be walking in a bad area looking at your phone.

As a woman I took a self defense class.. I walk with my biggest key between my fingers to stab someone. Yell fire not help...more people will respond. Walk in the center of the lane not between or near trucks where someone can hide. Be aware. I haven't felt unsafe yet...even at 3am there is usually ppl around. There are a lot of women and married couples which I did not expect. N think like an attacker. My company has a panic button in the truck. ...but you have to be in it. I HAVE seen one truck towed away which I later found out was stolen by the tow truck. be aware if someone is following you for a long time in the road. High value hauls have different procedures to give you time to identify followers. I don't think robbers randomly steal trucka..they know what they want. So you are less likely to get held up coming from Walmart than from Sony.

I did a little Googling and came up with the term : Kubotan. They sell for about $6 on up. Super cheapos can go to Lowes/Home Depot to the hardware section and get a 1/2 in. x 6 in. Eye Bolt for around $2. Here are some possible defensive maneuvers:

You're going to hold your keys as you walk to your truck, right? hold the Kubotan instead.

The Kubotan is a great idea! I've not seen on of those before.

My ex-husband is a police officer and one of the best self defense weapons he recommended is an Asp Baton. Get one of these. It's worth the expense. Super lightweight and can be carried easily in a pocket. When you need it, just rapidly direct it in a downward position and the baton extends and stays extended until you use the push button to retract. *Note that this is meant as a deterrant or a bludgeoning weapon. Stabbing motions can possibly cause the baton to retract.

The Kubotan is a great idea! I've not seen on of those before.

My ex-husband is a police officer and one of the best self defense weapons he recommended is an Asp Baton. Get one of these. It's worth the expense. Super lightweight and can be carried easily in a pocket. When you need it, just rapidly direct it in a downward position and the baton extends and stays extended until you use the push button to retract. *Note that this is meant as a deterrant or a bludgeoning weapon. Stabbing motions can possibly cause the baton to retract.

One caution, those are not legal to carry on some states. Just like guns.

One caution, those are not legal to carry on some states. Just like guns.

I was not aware of that. Thanks for that bit of info. I'll look into which states do not allow it.

Well, that was a quote fail.