How Does A Truck Driver Protect Themselves

I found a list of Exapndable Baton Laws by State. I don't know how current some of these laws are, but with these statutes as a starting point it will be easy to look up current language.

Pat, which are not legal? The Kubotan, the Asp Baton or both?

The Asp.

Yeah the asp. Years ago I waw in Tennessee and wanted to sell security stuff and found out that Tennessee does not allow you to carry one.

The Kubotan is also questionable in some states too but think about it for a minute. If a person is attacked and defends themselves, yes it's possible they might get into trouble but not as likely as the attacker. Plus, there's that issue in a truck stop that the attacker "fell down and injured themselves"

My take is if it's not illegal then I'm going to carry it. At worst, I'll have it in my truck and only use it if necessary. The thing is, I never want to be in a position to have to be close enough to someone to have to use something like these products, but it is best to be as prepared as possible. Large flashlights and other tools can be carried easily without restriction. Best bet is prevention/awareness, but be prepared for a worst case scenario.

Exactly. Situational awareness is required at all times, it doesn't stop when you set the brakes and shut off the truck.

I think its ridiculous for a commercial truck driver to not be allowed to carry a loaded handgun within easy reach or on their person. They've got the same rights to bear arms and to protect themselves as anyone else, and they're protecting not just themselves but very valuable cargo as well! They are essentially the security guard for that cargo until it gets unloaded at the reciever. If it were up to me, I'd make it MANDATORY that every truck driver carried a loaded sidearm at all times while under load AND passed a weapons training and self defense course like an armed security officer! Can you imagine how many truck stop robberies or highjackings there would be if it was common knowledge that every truck driver was open carrying a loaded weapon and trained in how to use it as part of their job? Practically NONE I would say. The laws and company policies seem really backwards in this matter to me.

No thanks. I have absolutely no desire to carry a gun ever. Forcing someone to arm themselves is wrong. There's nothing in the job that requires it.

If it were up to me, I'd make it MANDATORY that every truck driver carried a loaded sidearm at all times while under load AND passed a weapons training and self defense course like an armed security officer!

Well, I suppose I should thank God that it's not up to you. Miss Miyoshi is right, some people have no desire to carry a firearm and shouldn't be forced to unless it's absolutely critical to their job. I enjoy target shooting with my boyfriend but have no desire to carry a loaded firearm around at all times. For as many robberies as it could potentially prevent, I have no doubt such a requirement would instigate many other incidents. Brett has said before that trucking attracts a lot of type A personalities. Combine that with the fact that many people lack the level head required to safely carry and it's a recipe for disaster. Frankly, I would be much more fearful if I knew every truck driver was armed at all times.

Can you imagine how many truck stop robberies or highjackings there would be if it was common knowledge that every truck driver was open carrying a loaded weapon and trained in how to use it as part of their job? Practically NONE I would say.

In 2014 nearly 3,500 commercial bank robberies occurred. This happened despite many banks having armed security, as well as other robbery prevention measures like panic buttons, bulletproof glass, cameras, etc. In my opinion not only would a requirement for truckers to be armed NOT cut down the amount of crime, it would increase the likelihood of death or serious injury to the driver because it encourages confrontation.