Dark Side Of Trucking

This last week I’ve been noticing some of the dark sides of trucking. While in Indy a Werner pulls in beside me. I thought they were doing a pull thru. However pulled all the way across and started backing up. Backed into a flat bed not once but twice. He’s blowing his horn . The passenger of the Werner gets out looking over the damage. The actual driver has disappeared. I walked over, the Werner passenger now driver smells of alcohol. Look around at the flat bed driver he’s sitting in driver seat drinking beer, actual can in hand, talking about he’s on his 34. Then yesterday I’m in Gary Indiana two young women are knocking on truck doors. Alcohol and hookers think I’ll keep my curtains drawn tighter.

I'd keep my curtains drawn, too.

Once I posted this , I thought perhaps I might be scaring some newbie away so I just what to clarify.. I’m a 56 year old woman been out solo for 5 months, not once have I ever been afraid been in some places that I made sure the doors were locked. Just as a trip to your local Walmart there are all walks of life out here. These two drivers took a stupid chance with their cdls, drinking and truck driving could cost them their jobs and careers. If u are a “very” social drinker, think twice about trucking. There just isn’t time for it outhere.

I don't know how drinking works in the trucking world, but I would only drink on home time.

Gary, IN is a real “Oasis of Humanity” for sure. Scary thing is that it used to be way worse. It was truly a dangerous, bad area in the mid 1960s and 70s. Just practice lots of situational awareness and be vigilant whenever the little voice in our heads tells us to be careful and you should be fine.

I don't know how drinking works in the trucking world, but I would only drink on home time.

Big no no anytime you're responsible for the rig. This includes 34 hours off on the road. Some companies even don't want you doing it at home if the truck is in your possession as you may need to move the truck and now you're intoxicated while doing it. DOT will put you out of service for 24 hours if they detect even a trace while you're driving. Many companies will also terminate you for even a trace on your breath. Where I work they surprisingly won't terminate us, it will instead result in a 30 day unpaid suspension. 2nd occurence I believe is termination. I never drink even 1 beer and get behind the wheel of my car, and never drink at a minimum of 24 hours before reporting to work. I'm not working tomorrow so I'll be having a couple long islands and play cards with the wifey tonight. Alcohol and drugs are one of the fastest ways to find yourself black listed in this industry.