The safety of truckers is an ever increasing topic, and if everyone did their part to look out for themselves and others we can all be a little safer.

Following are a few simple tips to stay safe and help others:

On The Road

• Be alert when leaving. Criminal surveillance often begins at, or within a mile of, your origin
• Do not discuss your cargo, destination, or other trip specifics on open channels or near people you don't know
• If you believe you are being followed, call 911 and your dispatcher immediately
• Avoid being boxed in. Where possible leave room in front and behind your truck
• Look for vehicles following you, especially if there are 3 or more people in a car
• If you believe you are being hijacked, try to keep your truck moving

Stopping

• Leave your truck in a secure parking lot or truck stop if possible; if not, be certain someone can watch your vehicle.
• If team driving, always leave one person with the truck.
• Never leave your vehicle running with the keys in it; shut off the engine and lock the doors.
• If at all possible, do not stop in areas that are considered "hot spots" - unsafe or high crime areas.
• Always lock the cargo door(s) with padlocks.
• Use seals to prevent and identify tampering.

Your Truck

• Use an engine kill switch.
• Use tractor and trailer brake locking devices.
• Criminals know about electronic tracking systems and how to dismantle them; check your system regularly, and notify dispatch when it is not working.
• If you drop a trailer, use a fifth wheel lock whenever possible.