A Strong Case For Much Better Needed Trucker Security And The Laxing Of Gun Laws Nationwide.

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This can be in the form of being armed, having security dogs and/or security alarms on truck cabs.

That's very sad to see, but it's also surprisingly rare. I personally don't have a strong opinion on gun laws either way, but this incident certainly isn't a good enough reason to arm 3 million truck drivers nationwide. More people will get beat up in mall parking lots in a week than there will be at truck stops in a year and I certainly don't want a ton of people walking around malls with a gun either.

High Schools nowadays are far more dangerous than truck stops or rest areas.

What I am a big fan of is dogs. I have a huge German Shepherd and no one is going to target someone with a big dog. There are much easier targets. Not to mention, people will know you have a dog long before they get into your truck. They won't know you have a gun until you have to use it and they're right on top of you, and by then it's too late, you're in a mess. I prefer a dog because they're a highly visible deterrent. I don't want anyone to even considering me as a viable target and I don't want to have to defend myself or get in a fight of any sort.

Get a big dog and put a "Guard Dog On Board" sign on your windows. No one will bother you, and it's totally legal.

Todd it seems to me you're almost looking for a reason NOT to start this career. Crime can happen to anybody, anywhere. Its all about street smarts. I admit i didnt read this story, and Its unfortunate this individual dealt with that but i could be assaulted and/or robbed even taking my kids to chuck e cheese. If you want to live in fear feel free, however most often its easier to not put yourself in a position to be a victim. I dont drive OTR so it may be different, however i never carry more than $20in cash on me. In my job im often times going to a closed business to deliver because i have an alarm code and key at 4am. Some places are well lit, others not so much. It is a little weird having cars in the lot and not knowing if someone is around or if they drank too much and left their car for the night. In truck stops (and anywhere really) always be aware of your surroundings, and stay where its well lit as much as possible (dont walk between trailers). Ive seen a few drivers here say they do not get out of the truck at night. I can assure you that you're much more likely to be injured in an accident in the truck than being assaulted (assuming you're not looking for a fight)

Todd it seems to me you're almost looking for a reason NOT to start this career. Crime can happen to anybody, anywhere. Its all about street smarts. I admit i didnt read this story, and Its unfortunate this individual dealt with that but i could be assaulted and/or robbed even taking my kids to chuck e cheese. If you want to live in fear feel free, however most often its easier to not put yourself in a position to be a victim. I dont drive OTR so it may be different, however i never carry more than $20in cash on me. In my job im often times going to a closed business to deliver because i have an alarm code and key at 4am. Some places are well lit, others not so much. It is a little weird having cars in the lot and not knowing if someone is around or if they drank too much and left their car for the night. In truck stops (and anywhere really) always be aware of your surroundings, and stay where its well lit as much as possible (dont walk between trailers). Ive seen a few drivers here say they do not get out of the truck at night. I can assure you that you're much more likely to be injured in an accident in the truck than being assaulted (assuming you're not looking for a fight)

No, security is a matter that needs to be addressed. I feel people in the transportation industry are more often targeted for crimes save for banks, convenience stores, armored cars and liquor stores. Vehicles, buses, trucks, trains, etc. are possible get-away vehicles for fugitives on the run. For some reason, the criminal elements perceive transportation personnel as carrying substantial sums of cash. Some drivers will insist on carrying guns whether company policy or the law allows it or not. They put their personal safety above their career or the fear of possible arrest. They'd rather lose their jobs than their lives they feel. I'm in favor of lifting any and all concealed carry prohibitions nationwide. I would prefer it if people who travel nationwide could carry without fear of getting into trouble. A good dog will bark and warn a sleeping driver in his cab if trouble should come near and will most likely deter any possible attack in the first place. I'm sure there are some electronic intrusion alarms available too.

Truck drivers are especially vulnerable because they often travel alone and are isolated. At least train crews, airline crews and ship crews have some safety in numbers while traveling.

No, security is a matter that needs to be addressed. I feel people in the transportation industry are more often targeted for crimes save for banks, convenience stores, armored cars and liquor stores. Vehicles, buses, trucks, trains, etc. are possible get-away vehicles for fugitives on the run. For some reason, the criminal elements perceive transportation personnel as carrying substantial sums of cash.

Where do you get this "feeling" from? Do you have some sort of specialized knowledge or experience with the subject matter? Because I drove for 15 years and never even had someone look at me in a threatening way, nor was I ever once around to see any sort of crime committed, or even recently committed.

You said last week:

Old School, I'm not committed to any trucking career. I'm just curious about it from a technological standpoint. Many people are fascinated by space exploration but will never be astronauts.

We don't mind your curiosity with the industry, but you say a lot of things about trucking as if you're an authority on the matter. Trust me, if security needs to be addressed we'll say so. From 15 years of driving and 25 years in this industry I don't feel security is a major concern at all.

Truck drivers are especially vulnerable because they often travel alone and are isolated.

I'm parked tonight with about two or three hundred other truckers, much like I am on most nights. I'm hardly isolated.

I love this guy, so much free entertainment!!!!

Have yet to feel afraid at any truck stop or rest area. Although did raise an eyebrow pulling into a pilot in Birmingham for a 34 and there was armed security roaming around. My biggest fear in truckstops is getting run over by other truckers.

No, security is a matter that needs to be addressed. I feel people in the transportation industry are more often targeted for crimes save for banks, convenience stores, armored cars and liquor stores. Vehicles, buses, trucks, trains, etc. are possible get-away vehicles for fugitives on the run. For some reason, the criminal elements perceive transportation personnel as carrying substantial sums of cash.

Where do you get this "feeling" from? Do you have some sort of specialized knowledge or experience with the subject matter? Because I drove for 15 years and never even had someone look at me in a threatening way, nor was I ever once around to see any sort of crime committed, or even recently committed.

You said last week:

Old School, I'm not committed to any trucking career. I'm just curious about it from a technological standpoint. Many people are fascinated by space exploration but will never be astronauts.

We don't mind your curiosity with the industry, but you say a lot of things about trucking as if you're an authority on the matter. Trust me, if security needs to be addressed we'll say so. From 15 years of driving and 25 years in this industry I don't feel security is a major concern at all.

I get this knowledge from the article I posted. I was not even Googling about crimes against truckers to begin with. I just ran into this news story by accident. I thought it might be worth sharing here. Many people considering entering trucking might not have thought about personal security. I just get the impression that people working in the transportation industry are more inherently higher at risk as potential victims for violent crimes than most other occupations simply because it involves vehicles: means for fugitives on the run to get away and that drivers are often perceived by the criminal elements to carry enough cash to be worth robbing. I've heard news stories over the years about ship crews who get pirated on the open seas, train crews who encounter armed assailants and hijackings committed upon trucks. I've never heard any news account of a carpenter, welder, machinist, plumber, IT professional, hard-hat or electrician's getting violently attacked on the job. This truck driver was sleeping inside his cab when he got hit. Most occupations don't involve sleeping away from home or inside a vehicle which is probably not nearly as secure as a motel room or one's own house. Most other vocations that are prime targets for violent or life-threatening crimes involve cash-handling, handling high-value merchandise as guns and jewelry, retailing particularly small businesses as liquor stores, gas stations and convenience stores, security and law enforcement.

I love this guy, so much free entertainment!!!!

Have yet to feel afraid at any truck stop or rest area. Although did raise an eyebrow pulling into a pilot in Birmingham for a 34 and there was armed security roaming around. My biggest fear in truckstops is getting run over by other truckers.

My purpose is not to entertain but inform. I got this story of the web. I'm just a messenger passing it on. I Felt it was important just enough to make thread about. Raise awareness. Newbies who take up driving may have never given security a single thought. I'm not even sure if driving schools or employers talk about it. Some jobs actually do brief new employees about security in the workplace such as if you are getting a job as a cashier at a 7-Eleven. They teach the newbie to give the bad the guy the money and not even resist.

Hey thanks Todd,...never considered my 80,000 pound truck, a get-away vehicle. It barely gets out of its own way.