By Sandy Long

With more companies going to ELDS, the limits of the Hours of Service and lack of quality parking, drivers are more at risk than ever before having to find anywhere they can to park. Recently, another driver was shot as he parked in a vacant lot near his customer. At last report, he was still alive even though he was shot in the head. While he was parked, a man came up to his truck and asked for money. When the driver said he had none, the man took out his gun and shot him.

As drivers, we all have had instances where we have to wait for appointment times, or have run out of hours after loading or unloading and cannot make it to a truck stop. Many facilities we go to do not have staging areas where we can wait. Our choices are few. At times we have no option other than find creative parking as close to the facility as possible to park, whether it is a safe area or not, whatever that truly is. Drivers are targeted everywhere from vacant lots to rest areas to truck stops by bad folk who rob and injure.

Another factor is that drivers are an easy touch these days. I cringe when I hear of a driver, especially a woman driver, who talks about how they have rolled down the driver’s window, or even gotten out of the truck to speak to someone who has come up against the side of the truck asking for money. A few have learned their lessons the hard way and, sad to say, have been injured.

The parking issues are finally being addressed in some fashion. The FMCSA is looking into it and holding meetings to find solutions as are other transportation entities. However, those solutions will not happen overnight, and they will not solve the problem of drivers being targeted no matter where they are. It is just the way it has always been.

So, what does a driver do?

• Anywhere you are parked, creative or at a truck stop, do not roll down your window to speak to anyone unless you are absolutely sure they are another driver or law enforcement. And then only roll the window down far enough to hear what they say. Keep your doors locked at all times. Do not get out of your truck if creatively parked unless told to do so by a law enforcement officer.
• Do not sleep where you get your cash advance or get money out of the ATM. Never flash how much money you have.
• If you feel the need to help others, then donate to homeless shelters, food banks, or verified charities. Some of those beggars on the street corners make more than we do in a year.
• Call your customer and ask ahead of time whether they have parking at their facility. This way you can make different plans on your timing if necessary or reschedule so you have time on the clock to get somewhere safe after your business there is done. If you do not have the number, then use 411 or look online for the number. Of course, communicate fully with your dispatcher on the situation.
• If there are beggars at a truck stop, call the truck stop and report them. Most truck stops will not allow these types of folk to hang around. Or if you see someone acting suspiciously around you when you are creatively parked, for instance, hanging around watching you, more people ganging up etc., then by all means do not hesitate to dial 911, or MOVE! Notify dispatch you are in a possible dangerous situation and you are moving. It is your obligation.

Remember finally, your safety, the safety of the truck and trailer, and load all starts with you. You are responsible for it all because you are there on the spot. Be safe, and watch not only your backs, but all the other sides too.