Firearms

"making smart decisions is the key to successfully navigating risky circumstances" creates an assumption that people who carry a weapon are somehow lesser than those who don`t

No, not at all. I'm saying that carrying a gun in a commercial vehicle isn't a smart decision when you weigh the risks involved (both physical and legal) and the other weapons options available.

You also have to assess the situation. You're driving a truck. Very rarely do you hear about issues where a gun would be required or advisable. It's about the equivalent of going to the mall on a Friday night. Sure, something crazy can happen anytime, anywhere. But the risks are very low. There are a million options that make more sense for truck drivers than hiding a gun in the bunk somewhere. That's all I'm saying.

"making smart decisions is the key to successfully navigating risky circumstances" creates an assumption that people who carry a weapon are somehow lesser than those who don`t

No, not at all. I'm saying that carrying a gun in a commercial vehicle isn't a smart decision when you weigh the risks involved (both physical and legal) and the other weapons options available.

You also have to assess the situation. You're driving a truck. Very rarely do you hear about issues where a gun would be required or advisable. It's about the equivalent of going to the mall on a Friday night. Sure, something crazy can happen anytime, anywhere. But the risks are very low. There are a million options that make more sense for truck drivers than hiding a gun in the bunk somewhere. That's all I'm saying.

Ah, I see. What you are saying does make sense and yes, the risk of actually having to shoot someone is low. As you may have noticed, this topic is extremely sensitive to me for several reasons and I do not hesitate in chiming in. Just chalk it up to past life experiences.

Oh, in my last post I typed "Forearm" instead of firearm...oops.

Just adding 2 cents worth: In the one situation I might've used a firearm, the guy had his hand on my wallet in my back pocket and a gun pointed at me before I knew what was happening. Thankfully he ran away with a dollar, some useless cards (I reported them stolen 2 minutes later), and a really nice wallet. This happened within 50 feet of my front door.

Even if I had been carrying, the problem was I had both hands full and wasn't paying attention to my surroundings, so he was able to sneak up on me real close and then I couldn't do anything about it. Weapons and martial arts skills are only useful if 1) you've had a lot of training so your reactions are more or less automatic, and 2) you are paying attention to your surroundings. I think vigilance is the most important deterrent anyone has, and the way you carry yourself (including having at least one free hand!) is a close second. If you have those two, a non-lethal defense is almost always better if it still goes down and you have to defend yourself...at least until the apocalypse.

But again, as Brett said, it's a whole lot better if the bad guys decide in advance you're not worth attacking in the first place, and a big part of that is whether you're paying attention to what is going on around you. Being tired and preoccupied with today's problems are the biggest hindrance to that.

Weapons and martial arts skills are only useful if 1) you've had a lot of training so your reactions are more or less automatic, and 2) you are paying attention to your surroundings. I think vigilance is the most important deterrent anyone has, and the way you carry yourself (including having at least one free hand!) is a close second.

That is very true. I am constantly testing my kids on their surroundings, the other training comes in spurts as they advance their awareness. Good 2 cents Bud.

As for the companies, well, that is their prerogative and I guess I got lucky.

I wouldn't want to make any assumptions here, so I will ask. Are you saying that your company doesn't have a firearm policy that prohibits them in their equipment?

As for the companies, well, that is their prerogative and I guess I got lucky.

I wouldn't want to make any assumptions here, so I will ask. Are you saying that your company doesn't have a firearm policy that prohibits them in their equipment?

Nothing in the books and no in house speaking of one.

FWIW, if there's someone out there who's absolutely dead-set on carrying a firearm on their truck, there is one way (the only way I personally know of) to do it legally. There is a carrier, Western Distributing (the ones with the shiny bright blue equipment), that has a specialty armored division.

USAC

Team driving, both drivers are armed and specially trained and certified.

Other than that, yeah, leave the guns at home boys n girls.

Damn, look folks, not once did I say I carry a firearm in my truck. I was only arguing my point. I did say that I DO NOT ADVOCATE HAVING ONE IN YOUR TRUCK. So, yeah. Too many experts for me.

Damn, look folks, not once did I say I carry a firearm in my truck. I was only arguing my point. I did say that I DO NOT ADVOCATE HAVING ONE IN YOUR TRUCK. So, yeah. Too many experts for me.

Sorry about that. I am not in a good way today and will refrain from posting again until I get some rest.