Truck stops, rest areas, and parking lots are used by criminals to prey upon unsuspecting drivers. Protecting yourself from physical harm is your primary concern, of higher priority than the security of your vehicle and cargo. The key to your safety is to be able to recognize the hazards that can put you in harm’s way and know how to defend against these dangers.
ENVIRONMENT
Parking or walking in low-lit, isolated areas makes it easy for predators to conceal their presence and catch you off guard. Likewise, high-risk areas put you at an increased danger of being targeted by criminals.
Leaving the windows rolled down and vehicle unlocked invites criminals to break into the truck. Likewise, leaving keys in the ignition and valuables out in the open are tempting targets.
A lack of situational awareness puts you at risk. Talking or texting on the phone while walking distracts you from hidden dangers. Likewise, walking alone to your vehicle or discussing your cargo with strangers or openly in public makes you a target. Engaging in unlawful activities (i.e., drugs, prostitution, etc.) puts your life at risk.
KNOW THE DEFENSE
PERSONAL Security Tips
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If confronted by an armed assailant, the best thing to do is try to run to safety and call for help. Never give chase if the assailant flees; leave the pursuit to the police. If the assailant wants only your wallet and keys, then cooperate and hand them over. Those can be replaced. If a physical assault appears likely, utilize self-defense techniques to protect yourself and escape the situation.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
The information in this article is provided as a courtesy of Great West Casualty Company and is part of the Value-Driven® Company program. Value-Driven Company was created to help educate and inform insureds so they can make better decisions, build a culture that values safety, and manage risk more effectively. To see what additional resources Great West Casualty Company can provide for its insureds, please contact your safety representative, or click below to find an agent.
© Great West Casualty Company 2020. The material in this publication is the property of Great West Casualty Company unless otherwise noted and may not be reproduced without its written consent by any person other than a current insured of Great West Casualty Company for business purposes. Insured should attribute use as follows: “© Great West Casualty Company 2020. Used with permission by Great West Casualty Company.”
This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Great West Casualty Company does not provide legal advice to its insureds, nor does it advise insureds on employment-related issues. Therefore, the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds. Legal advice should always be sought from the insured’s legal counsel. Great West Casualty Company shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein.