Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/675322
Voices 8 | Overdrive | May 2016 Another trucker was attacked in mid- March. A driver parked for the night in his company lot in East St. Louis, Ill., was woken up by a brick through the side window, followed closely by a person with a knife, demanding money. Fortunately, the driver lived through the incident by using his fists and wits. This isn't always the case. Some robbers bring guns instead of knives. The call to allow truckers to carry firearms has become stronger over the years. While Jason's Law has helped bring more attention to the parking problem, rest areas continue to close, and the need for safe parking grows. In this most recent incident, even a company lot with razor wire wasn't safe in a bad part of town. Some people think an across-the- board permit to carry should be is- sued with a CDL, based on the ability to pass a background check that also clears them for things like a TWIC card and hazmat hauling. In theory, this is redundant be- cause the Second Amendment gives citizens the right to bear arms. In application, it's necessary because that right isn't observed carte blanche in some states, and for good reason; passing a background check doesn't mean you're a responsible gun owner. I agree with the argument that if we can trust someone to haul nuclear waste, they should be trusted to carry a gun, but there should be education included. Unfortunately, I believe required education would turn out to be a money grab — just like they're going to do with the new pre-CDL driver education standards. If you have a concealed-carry permit in your state of residence, it's asinine that it wouldn't be observed in all states, though more states allow it now. Reciprocity may be a better thing to fight for. Gary Slider and Steve Aikens of Handgunlaw.us do a fantastic job keeping their site updat- ed with links to specific state laws and traveler information. In the end, company policy will dictate what many drivers are allowed to do if they want a job. Having a gun doesn't necessarily mean you're safe. Tasers, mace and knives are alternatives, but their legality, too, is dictated state by state. Being aware of your surroundings and having safe parking are much greater defenses. But until we get enough safe park- ing, we've got a real problem — and people are dying from it. Wendy Parker chronicles her journey on the road with her owner-operator husband, George, in the George and Wendy Show blog on OverdriveOnline.com. Scan the QR to read more from her on your phone or tablet. Finding a sensible approach to self-defense Todd Dills Roadside stops and overnight parking routinely put truckers in need of self-protection. " Carry a 25-foot-reach can of wasp spray. Oh, I'm sorry, but then you will be charged with a felony (read side of can). I'll take that chance. " — DavidBailey3, via OverdriveOnline.com " I will not tuck my tail between my legs and just give up my right to self-protection because of a company policy that is noth- ing more than a politically correct decision. … You are responsible for your safety. I know many drivers that carry a firearm with them. " — Don Fitzpatrick, via OverdriveOnline.com