Keep Safe While Over The Road

Good evening TT. Quick question. I'm heading to Carter Express Monday afternoon for 4 weeks (6 weeks if no trainer available at the time) of training. They told me after training,I get a road test to get hired onto the company. So what I like to ask is, after I solo out,what are ways to stay safe on the road and during my 10hrs (sleeper berth)? Someone mentioned about the seat belt and door thing method. Would really help me and other new comers out alot. Any and all responses will be appreciated.

Honestly, personal safety is mostly common sense. Yes, you’ll have the occasional story pop up and social media will go insane but simple situational awareness will keep you safe. The seatbelt idea for the doors works but, if you needed to egress the vehicle in an emergency, now you’ve potentially trapped yourself. I’ve been in some bad bad neighborhoods and have yet to ever have an issue with someone trying to get into the truck. They might try to steal something to pawn off the trailer but that’s about it. In regards to safety in the parking lots, leave your phone in your pocket. Keep it handy but don’t have your face buried in it. Always be aware of your surroundings because safety isn’t just about people, there’s trucks flying around to with idiots behind the wheel talking on their phones or texting, eating, programming their gps etc. Park in well lit areas when possible and check your mirrors before opening your door. Being aware is probably one of the more important things regarding overall safety.

Robert is spot on. Be aware always. Most truckstops are very well lit. Look at that if you have a choice. I’ve been out here going on 7 years and have never once had an issue. I have also parked in some skeetchy places. Don’t make yourself a victim. Park in well lit areas, walk in well lit areas and walk with a purpose. You will be fine.

You're absolutely right Robert!! Definitely will have all senses focus on my surroundings especially getting in and out of the truck while at truck stops.

Thanks a bunch for the advice PJ. Definitely have safety embedded into my head. Keeping myself as low profile as I can for sure. Also question. If I can not find a well lit (or if completely full,no space) area and I'm all out of drive time, Can I still find a truck stop or that's a no go. Sorry if the question is silly,just got born into the trucking world nearly 5 days ago.

No queston is silly, except the one not asked.

Your question is company specific. Legally you can drive off duty pc to the closest safe parking if your out of hours. That is open to interpatation. Plan your trips reserving the last hour to find parking. You’ll be ok. Once you get on the road with a trainer some of this stuff hopefully will get addressed.

Young lady please please please do yourself a huge favor. Take a deep breath and relax. You have cleared the first hurdle, you got your cdl. Major accomplishment.

Now comes training. Take it as it comes naturally. DO NOT over think things. It really isn’t all that tough. Roll with the flow. If you can do that, you will thank yourself for it within the next year.

Reefer can have more problems finding parking due to the loading/unloading times. It comes down to clock management. A "full" truck stop, may have one or two spots open because we work around the clock.

I always plan where I will park. I spend almost every night in a truck stop. I try to start my day around 06:00. This has me shutting down around 16:00. I can usually find plenty of parking. Pilot/Flying Js and TA/Petros have reserved parking.

Hope that hopes.

Rainy had a great idea:

Run a string from the doors to the pull for the air horn. Door opens, horn blows.

Thanks so much for yalls advices. PJ I'm definitely gonna take a breather. Will take it slow and easy. Will learn as much as I can while with my trainer. Oh and the thing I'm beyond relieved about is I get unlimited G.O.A.Ls vs what I got in cdl school. So will take full advantage of that for sure. CFI 6:00-1600 is an amazing schedule!!!! Hopefully after a few months,I can finally get my startups and shutdowns in order. Will also search and download apps specifically for truck stops and fueling. Will look up her video right after this response for sure PackRat. And her idea is brilliant!! Definitely will check out.

But I will definitely keep yall updated on my journey into Carter Express.

Here is my video on personal safety

Protecting Yourself OTR