In the United States, transportation workers including truck drivers are often victims of assaults and robberies. Commercial truck and trailer drivers have a high risk of being targeted by criminals because they work alone and often carry important and valuable cargo.
The good news is that there are many steps people can take to protect themselves from such an attack. Here is a list of five things every driver and trucking company should know about prevention.
Always keep your doors locked.
This may seem like a basic step, but it is one of the most important. If you are driving and someone tries to get into your truck, you will be able to defend yourself if your doors are locked. Therefore, a trucking company should only work with a trusted truck dealer Oklahoma City that offers trucks with secure truck locks.
Inform law enforcement about any threats or suspicious activity that may occur.
If you have a gut feeling that something is not right, it is important to let the police know. By doing so, you may be able to prevent an attack or robbery on the road. Any suspicious activity should immediately be reported to the authorities so they can investigate.
This leads us to the next important step…
Keep cell phones charged and available in case of emergency.
If you are attacked or experience another type of emergency while driving, it is important to have a charged cell phone. This way, you can call for help and get the assistance you need as soon as possible. Having a fully charged phone on hand is just another way you can protect yourself while driving.
Know the locations of safe havens in case you need to stop.
Although your truck may have a GPS, it is a good idea to know the locations of safe havens in case you need to stop for any reason. These include police stations, fire departments, hospitals, etc. If you are aware of these locations beforehand, it may be possible for you to reach them quickly in the event of an emergency.
Properly maintain your vehicle.
If your commercial truck and trailer are not in good condition, they can be more susceptible to an attack. When your trucks suddenly break down or stop working, you could be putting yourself at a much higher risk of being robbed. Therefore, it is important to properly maintain your vehicle and keep it in good working order. By doing so, you can reduce the chances of an attack taking place and ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive.
Conclusion
It is important that everyone involved with trucking takes the necessary precautions to stay safe on the road. This includes drivers, trucking companies, and dealers. If you follow these tips when driving your commercial truck or trailer, it may be possible to avoid an attack. For safe and secure trucks, find a truck dealer Oklahoma City that offers trucks with security features that will keep truckers and cargos safe.
