Our drivers know how to be safe on the road, but personal safety is equally important. Here are a few tips and information about basic self-defense methods to help you stay safe.

Avoidance, anticipation and preparation are the best methods of self-defense.

Avoid an unsafe situation by always parking in an open, well-lit area, making sure to keep doors locked and windows closed.

Anticipate potential threats by being aware of your surroundings. Before exiting the truck, take note of where you need to go and what or who is between you and your destination. Avoid looking vulnerable by walking confidently, directly and at a steady pace and trust your instincts.

Prepare yourself by employing discreet self-defense tactics like carrying your keys in your hand, making sure that you have the key you need to unlock the door affixed between your first and second fingers. Holding the key in this fashion will still permit you to unlock the door but also provides for a defensive weapon if necessary.

While always best to avoid a physical fight, if you are attacked, use the method police refer to as the “bash and dash.” Primary targets are eyes, nose, mouth, ears, throat, groin, knees and shins. These are pressure points, so it will not take much force to incapacitate an attacker long enough to get away. Once in a safe place, contact the police immediately.

Quick tips
• Carry a whistle or similar type of noisemaker. In the event of an emergency, the sound may scare off a would-be attacker.
• If you’re being followed, turn to look at the person. It sends a clear message that you will not be taken by surprise.
• If someone makes you uncomfortable and you are in close quarters, look them directly in the eye and make a comment about their personal appearance, indicating you have a good look at them and could make a positive identification.
• Don’t freeze. If you are attacked, keep moving and always try to create distance between yourself and an attacker.
• Look out for 'Good Samaritans’ saying that you dropped something as could be a ploy to delay you long enough for an attack. Spend the extra thirty seconds in the truck to secure your belongings to insure nothing is dropped.
• Do not walk and talk on your phone as you are distracted and therefore a more likely target.
• Be ready to yell and use your voice. Yelling "My baby" or “Fire” will more likely get a response than “Help” from people within earshot.

A note on self-defense weapons
If you choose to carry something for self-protection, carefully consider three things; your ability to use it effectively, your willingness to use it on another human being and the legality of possessing it. Did you know that brass knuckles are illegal to possess in Arkansas and mace is illegal in Wisconsin and Michigan? Also keep in mind that whatever you carry could be taken away and used against you.