Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/592176
FRAUD & SCAMS BY SONNY SMITH, DIRECTOR OF ASSURANCE SERVICES Women In Trucking Share Safety & Awareness Practices When On The Road W hile trucking has traditionally been a male-dominated profession, the presence of women in the industry is clearly on the rise with considerable growth each year and a gradual closing of the gender gap. As this gap narrows, the tough reality we face is the fact that there is still a lot of work to be done to create a balanced, equal, and safe work environment which best represents the changing demographics of our evolving industry. e good news is that many women drivers are reporting noticeable improvement in enhanced security measures being taken by many of the nation's Truck Stop and Travel Plaza facilities. But there are many other precautionary measures women should adopt and routinely exercise to further increase their level of safety awareness. One study revealed that of the estimated 3 million truck drivers in this country, 200,000 are women, up 50 percent from 133,000 in 2005. is number is expected to climb to 400,000 over the next two years (Source: Insurance Journal Magazine) and increases signicantly beyond the 400,000 projection when you consider the many other/non-driver occupations that a growing number of women hold in the trucking industry. ere is however, a growing concern over the volume of reports about the atrocities committed against women. Unfathomable horror stories ranging from sexual assault to murder. Unfortunately, the trucking industry is not exempt from many of these reports as the mere essence of a truck driver's job places them in unexpecting environments, increasing their chance of becoming a potential target or victim. Below are a few quotes from women truck drivers on some of the safety measures they take when on the road: Stephanie Klang – a 25 year veteran to trucking, said "truck stops have done a real good job of cleaning up and securing their parking lots. If I go to a truck stop at night, rarely, I stay in well-lit areas for walking in and out. I don't dawdle. All of my debit card shopping is done at Walmart, weekly. Which is also where I get my cash. Less than $100 a week. I don't use Wi-Fi. All internet access is done through my phone and I purchased Kaspersky security. I also have registered all my credit & debit cards with Discover Wallet. If anything is stolen I'm covered with one phone call." Klang went on to say "I don't talk about being alone. I keep my sleeper curtain shut and if anybody asks, I say Fred is sleeping. Which is true, I just leave out that Fred is my tomcat." Sandi Talbott — a driver for 36 years, echoed Klang's sentiments stating "a lot more of the truck stops have security cars or golf carts patrolling the areas." Talbott said her mother taught her if she acted like a lady, she would be treated like a lady. Talbott has lived by this motto throughout her life including her trucking career. "Always be aware of your surroundings," Talbott said. "Don't walk with your head down and all hunched over. Walk with a purpose. Do not be a victim, or easy prey." Talbott said if she has to stop at a truck stop aer dark she will go in and get what she has to have and leave. She always keeps her doors locked. Women are 52 percent of the workforce, yet they comprise only 6 percent of the driver population according to Ellen Voie, founder of the Women In Trucking Association. Voie is convinced that carriers can utilize unrealized potential and ll half of their empty seats with some of the best drivers on the road by attracting more women to their company. Without a doubt, we will continue to see an increased presence of women in trucking. e ongoing need to consistently practice good safety measures will be paramount in avoiding unnecessary risk for women on the road. Vo l . 9 , N o . 6 TRUCKSTOP.COM 9