| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Jax3683
Joined: 28 Aug 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Lincoln Nebraska
|
| Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 4:35 pm Post subject: Women driving alone |
|
|
It seems like most of the stories I hear of Lady drivers are those who are teaming with their husbands...
I'm curious to know about some of you ladies who drive by yourself! (Something I am contemplating doing...)
Do you have a dog or another companion with you?
Do you feel safe out there alone?
I've ridden along with my husband plenty over the years, but have never been out there alone... I love the lifestyle, and I am anxious to get going on the road! But a bit nervous about the being alone thing! |
|
| Back to top |
|
LadyNorthStar
Joined: 08 Jun 2006
Posts: 479
Location: Whitehorse, Yukon
|
| Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 10:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I run alone, never had a problem. I run in the North though and its quite different up here. |
|
| Back to top |
|
4roses
Joined: 28 Aug 2004
Posts: 2010
Location: BrokenArrow, Oklahoma
|
| Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 10:59 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I've driven team and solo .... only a couple of the times have I ever felt uncomfortable while going solo ... I was sitting in a rest area and that horrible feeling came over me ( this isn't a safe place to be ) - so I pulled out and found a safer place to sleep. Use your common sense - lock your doors always day and night. I've always walked with confidence, kept my eyes open to who was around me and my truck. There's several things you can do to make your life on the road much safer.
I didn't have a pet with me the last time I was solo, but I'm thinking seriously about taking my dog with me later ... more so to keep me company.... You can drive solo safely .... |
|
| Back to top |
|
MichiganBlonde38
Joined: 28 Jul 2006
Posts: 202
Location: Beverly Hills Florida
|
| Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 12:44 am Post subject: |
|
|
| I also drive solo... I've never had any problems either. |
|
| Back to top |
|
marcel27208
Joined: 19 Aug 2006
Posts: 782
|
| Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 6:47 am Post subject: |
|
|
| My mom drives solo(PTL) and shes been driving for 18 years and she says she's never had a problem :D :D :D |
|
| Back to top |
|
Jax3683
Joined: 28 Aug 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Lincoln Nebraska
|
| Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 8:47 am Post subject: |
|
|
Thank you all!
I'm not too worried about it, although I'm definately debating taking a dog for company! (My company does allow pets, already checked into that!) |
|
| Back to top |
|
GirlnamedShannon
Joined: 14 Feb 2004
Posts: 356
|
| Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 11:43 am Post subject: |
|
|
I've never had any real trouble but I've left places I didn't feel comfortable just to be able to sleep better. I've taken my dog with me for company but pets can be a hassle at times and I took her with me more when I was home every weekend, for her sake and mine. Some suggestions though: Loop your seatbelts through the door handles when you go to sleep, it just makes me feel better (especially in places like Dallas when there are an equal number of crackheads and lot lizards as there are drivers), if it's late and you know the only parking is going to be in the north 40, pull through the fuel island (no, I'm not saying block it, I'm saying pull all the way through as if you have fueled) and go inside to get whatever you may need for the night; this will save walking from the very back of the lot, alone; get a port-a-potty to avoid using rest area restrooms, to save time stopping and parking through the day and having to ''beat your bladder'' to get inside to a restroom in the morning.
Most importantly, don't walk through the parking lot, day or night, like you're apologizing for being there; make eye contact and be aware of your surroundings at all times. |
|
| Back to top |
|
Jax3683
Joined: 28 Aug 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Lincoln Nebraska
|
| Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 12:57 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Shannon,
Walking from the clear back of the lot to the front was my biggest fear *lol* I love the idea of pulling through the fuel island! And I also like the idea of a port-a-potty of sorts. I'll have to look into one of those as well!
I hear all these horrible rumors of women needing to carry a tire thumper EVERYWHERE they go! But I just love life on the road and wanted to be able to continue this journey... Preferably without the tire thumper permenantly attatched! |
|
| Back to top |
|
Windwalker
Joined: 22 Oct 2005
Posts: 2822
Location: Holiday, FL
|
| Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 5:30 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Judo lessons... Karate lessons... a squirt-gun with soapy water... I've seen women driving that acted, almost, like they DARED someone to try something... Nothing happened to them. I've been known to have short conversations with women in the building and out of it, but I'm BUYING my truck, and maintaining it... Don't I have trouble enough already???? :shock: |
|
| Back to top |
|
Soladad
Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 372
Location: Vancouver, Washington
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 7:01 am Post subject: |
|
|
I drive solo and have had no problems except shippers/receivers that don't expect a lady driver pulling into their docks. Act like a professional, dress appropriately for the job and you will be treated like a professional driver you are.
Soladad |
|
| Back to top |
|
tndieselgrl
Joined: 01 Sep 2005
Posts: 534
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:17 am Post subject: |
|
|
I've been driving solo since I came out on the road with no major problems. I used to carry my dog with me out on the road, but not this time since she's got cancer. I've also left places where I've felt unsafe to get better rest, and like what was said above, just use your gut. Women's intuition is no joke, and it will lead you right.
Some male drivers/customers/dock workers can be pigs and hassle you. You've got to be strong enough inside to not let it get to you, and like GirlnamedShannon said, don't walk though the lot like you're apologizing - carry your head high and be aggressive. Outside of cat calls and random b/s on the CB, I've never (knock on wood) had an issue at a reputable truck stop with other drivers.
I also choose what truck stops I use carefully, and what cities to stop near (for instance, Dallas is a BAD place to stop at anywhere except a company secured terminal and use caution around Baltimore and Chicago)
Also, for an extra measure of safety, I mount a small kitchen fire extinguisher in my sleeper - amazing how those suckers take the oxygen out of an attacker's lungs 8) But before that scares you, I can tell you I've never had to use it.
~ l
PS - if you flatbed at all, a winch bar that's kept handy is even better than a tire thumper, and is longer to boot! :wink: |
|
| Back to top |
|
Floored
Guest
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 8:44 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I ran solo for the past year, no problems. You'll learn quick if you have a CB what truck stops to stay away from, trust me. Shouldn't tell other drivers you don't know that you run solo, another suggestion is to keep your sleeper curtain closed at all times and toss a baseball cap on the dash. I didn't always follow this advice, but it all depends on how comfortable you are when your out there. I always parked as close to the truck stop as possible, never in the very dark or back rows. I also did the seatbelt through the door trick on my passenger side at all times. |
|
| Back to top |
|
cmegobye
Guest
Joined: 04 Sep 2006
Posts: 57
Location: Homosassa, FL
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 11:29 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I've been OTR 12 years now as a solo driver in the lower 48 and Canada.
The majority of male truckers out there are great people. They will come to your defense in many situations. Some suggestions I have are:
*Stop in front of the fuel island or someplace close to the fuel island entrance and take care of anything you need before bedtime. Then safely park as close as you safely can.
*Buy a good curtain and put it up immediately when you park before you turn on the bunk light. It is a good precaution. That way there is little chance others will see if you are in the truck alone.
*I always keep a hammer next to my front seat. Never know when you'll need it to coax a pin on your tandems...
*I have my cell phone close all the time. Even a fake phone helps. (Had a creep in a car follow my truck playing with himself in daylight. Picked up my cell phone and slowed so I could see his license plate. He left very quickly.)
*Seatbelt through handles gives you time to react if anyone messes with your truck.
*You've got a air horn, use it if needed. Like I said, there are a lot of really good men out there (and women) who will help.
*Ask someone about the baggie of apple juice hanging out your driver's window. Lot lizard repellant. Open window, they get splashed.
Good luck and enjoy the ride. |
|
| Back to top |
|
highway_gypsy_4ever
Guest
Joined: 03 Sep 2006
Posts: 12
Location: highways of America
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 7:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| :D Be Aware of your surrounding at all times, if you are uncomfortable parked somewhere MOVE, carry yourself with confidence dont walk with your head down and slouched over you will be an easy target, I have driven for the last 2 years solo and team, the only difference is you have to do all the stuff on the truck, put a hammer or tire thumper by the door for just incase, when parked always lock the doors, keep the passenger door locked at all times, a dog is a good idea but you have to remember they require special attention on the road, i wouldn't choice a large breed but a small to medium dog is a good idea, make sure it is a good traveling breed, something you can lift if need be into the truck.. Good luck and God Bless |
|
| Back to top |
|
Jax3683
Guest
Joined: 28 Aug 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Lincoln Nebraska
|
| Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:11 am Post subject: |
|
|
Thank you Ladies :)
I'd never heard of the apple juice :lol: That is wonderful, and I will DEFINATELY have to remember that one! |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
