A FMCSA STUDY FOUND Crimes against truck drivers are prevalent
The percentage of truck drivers exposed to harassment or crime at least once in the past two years. Being called undesirable names and receiving threatening words are the most common
harassment truck drivers experience. Relative to male truck drivers, women truck drivers are particularly exposed to crimes that are sexual. In addition, the nature of the harassment is not limited because of an individual’s gender and race but also extends to religion, lifestyle, and sexual orientation.
Where and when do these incidents occur?:
Although the harassment against truck drivers happens at all locations relevant to the trucking
industry, it is more likely to happen at truck stops (23 to 30 percent depending on gender and
minority status), places where truck drivers pick up or deliver cargo (15 to 17 percent), and
fueling stations (9 to 11 percent depending on gender and minority status). Some respondents
mentioned that the harassment occurred while they were inside their truck (15 to 33 percent).
Respondents mentioned that they are exposed to harassment from other truck or passenger
vehicle drivers while they were driving on the road (16 to 19 percent depending on gender and
minority status). In addition, respondents mentioned that crimes are more likely to happen in
urban areas (42 to 56 percent depending on gender and minority status) compared to rural areas
(26 to 35 percent depending on gender and minority status). In terms of the time when crimes
against truck drivers happen, there is no indication that crimes are more prevalent in certain
months of the year or days of the week. Although crimes can happen at any day and time, crimes
against women truck drivers are more likely to happen at night (after 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.).
RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON SURVEY PARTICIPANTS’ SUGGESTIONS
Enhance safety at existing trucking facilities:
Providing adequate lighting and security features to existing truck parking lots, fueling stations,
and truck stops should be the priority. This also applies to docking areas of shippers and
receivers. Providing safe and well-lit sidewalks between parking lots and fueling islands to the
store or cashier area would deter the aggressors. Location of restrooms should be closer to
parking entrances as opposed to secluded areas. Presence of safety patrol and local law
enforcement will also improve safety.
Provide additional parking facilities:
The majority of survey participants mentioned that there is a shortage of truck parking lots in the
industry. They suggested that many of the crimes that happen against truckers are the direct
result of limited parking availability, especially in urban areas. In some cases, truck drivers
resorted to parking their trucks on freeway ramps and abandoned lots, putting them at increased
risk of crashes and crimes. More parking provides more options for truckers’ safety. Therefore,
either existing facilities need to be expanded or new facilities need to be built.
The percentage of truck drivers exposed to harassment or crime at least once in the past two years. Being called undesirable names and receiving threatening words are the most common
harassment truck drivers experience. Relative to male truck drivers, women truck drivers are particularly exposed to crimes that are sexual. In addition, the nature of the harassment is not limited because of an individual’s gender and race but also extends to religion, lifestyle, and sexual orientation.
Where and when do these incidents occur?:
Although the harassment against truck drivers happens at all locations relevant to the trucking
industry, it is more likely to happen at truck stops (23 to 30 percent depending on gender and
minority status), places where truck drivers pick up or deliver cargo (15 to 17 percent), and
fueling stations (9 to 11 percent depending on gender and minority status). Some respondents
mentioned that the harassment occurred while they were inside their truck (15 to 33 percent).
Respondents mentioned that they are exposed to harassment from other truck or passenger
vehicle drivers while they were driving on the road (16 to 19 percent depending on gender and
minority status). In addition, respondents mentioned that crimes are more likely to happen in
urban areas (42 to 56 percent depending on gender and minority status) compared to rural areas
(26 to 35 percent depending on gender and minority status). In terms of the time when crimes
against truck drivers happen, there is no indication that crimes are more prevalent in certain
months of the year or days of the week. Although crimes can happen at any day and time, crimes
against women truck drivers are more likely to happen at night (after 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.).
RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON SURVEY PARTICIPANTS’ SUGGESTIONS
Enhance safety at existing trucking facilities:
Providing adequate lighting and security features to existing truck parking lots, fueling stations,
and truck stops should be the priority. This also applies to docking areas of shippers and
receivers. Providing safe and well-lit sidewalks between parking lots and fueling islands to the
store or cashier area would deter the aggressors. Location of restrooms should be closer to
parking entrances as opposed to secluded areas. Presence of safety patrol and local law
enforcement will also improve safety.
Provide additional parking facilities:
The majority of survey participants mentioned that there is a shortage of truck parking lots in the
industry. They suggested that many of the crimes that happen against truckers are the direct
result of limited parking availability, especially in urban areas. In some cases, truck drivers
resorted to parking their trucks on freeway ramps and abandoned lots, putting them at increased
risk of crashes and crimes. More parking provides more options for truckers’ safety. Therefore,
either existing facilities need to be expanded or new facilities need to be built.