Safety???

Hey all, so I just went through a week of training with Prime and even got my class A permit. Driving the trucks were awesome, and I was kinda rocking it. But then I gave up n came home. The problem was, I just got to worried about all the time I'd be spending on my own outside the truck. Im a pretty small, fairly young, and somewhat attractive woman. So yeah I'm pretty worried about the attention I could get at truck stops n docks. Long walks between truck isles? Any advice?

Awe, sorry to hear that. Wish you had found us sooner, we would have supported you and given you lots of tips!!! Since you're here now, it sounds like you may just need a little encouragement! Walk determinedly with a purpose ( carry large mag-lite), ready to thunk someone if the need arises, never get in someone else's truck. Always be aware of your surroundings! And many more common sense things, others will chime in with! There are other tiny drivers and they do just fine! Best of luck to you, if you want this you CAN! Remember there are BAD people everywhere, not just because your a driver.

Thanks for the reply! And yeah, I think I just let my insecurities get the best of me after the trainer I had lined up fell through. I still am pretty worried but I do think I made a mistake.

Look I know exactly how you feel, truly. I can give you so many examples of bad people everywhere! Like the time I was making dinner and having a drink, and the furniture delivery man came in and asked for a beer cuz it was his last stop, then proceeded to block the front door with the couch that was leaving and ask to use the rest room!! Not intimidating at all right? Or when I lived out in the country and would be out in the barn doing chores and look up to some man standing there, asking could he go fishing in our pond!! WTF! Right? Or the guy on the loose right now attacking girls who are outside in the early morning or at night while they are out exercising (which I do!) My point is there is danger everywhere, but we don't stop doing what we do we just get a little wiser!! If you really want this you will be great!!! Nice can of wasp spray too, It shoots farther!

Oh, I also carry my keys between my fingers like a bear claw at the ready!!

Stop at well-litted truck stops like TA/Petro. Close curtains if you're at a shipper. Don't talk to strangers. Walk like a man. Put on your resting ***** face. Learn some self defense moves. I haven't run into any situation where I've felt unsafe. I think other people look at me and fear for my safety more than me. My co-driver says I look like a 4th grader behind the wheels.

Oh yeah, and dress professionally. Work boots, work pants, shirts with sleeves --- no pretty clothes, especially clothes that show cleavage.

Pay attention to your surroundings and let anyone who may be watching you know that you are aware of your surroundings. Walk with confidence and a big stick. You need something to wrack your tires anyways. Above all trust your instincts. If you don't feel right about a situation then get out. Also if you cook in your truck and have a portable potty then you don't need to get out of your truck as much. Also a portable potty is nice in the middle of January in the middle of the night in the middle of North Dakota. I wasn't in a truck but I've been on I90 wishing I didn't have to leave my camper during a cold streak at 2a.m.

Haha, I believe you on that one Colleen! Nomad, I'd actually love to see that, a tiny girl hoping out of one of those trucks. Alright, so I found a school that I may be eligible for a grant at, so I'm gonna try it!

YOU GIRLS JUST ROCK !!!!!!!! Great advice from all of you !!!!! I drove OTR for 15 years....I have a law enforcement background, so all the skills necessary for staying safe on the road were already instilled in me. And I can honestly say that if you listen to that little voice that tells you strange things, like "don't park here"...and "its to dark here, park under a light"....you will be fine... I personally carry a walking stick..for a few reasons. It works for alot of things around the truck...I like the stability when I'm on uneven surfaces...and it makes a wicked weapon...that everyone can see, and knows you can, and will use it......