Recommendations for Commercial Drivers Entering Places of Civil Unrest
The American Trucking Associations, ATA Safety Management Council (SMC) and the ATA
Transportation Security Council (TSC) provides the following recommendations for professional
drivers and motor carriers operating in areas of protest and social unrest.
The ongoing protests across our nation has put the trucking industry and professional drivers on
the frontline once again. Remaining safe and secure is the number one priority and taking proper precautions when operating in these areas can protect drivers.
While it is impossible to plan for each situation, there are key safety and security measures
professional drivers can take when operating in areas with potential unrest. Below is a list of
recommended practices to help professional drivers remain safe and secure:
- Immediately report any emergency situation to local law enforcement by calling 911.
- Avoid areas of unrest. Exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings,
protests, or demonstrations.
- Plan for road closures. If your route brings you through an area that has seen protests,
check the local news, with your dispatcher, or the safety department to make sure
interstates and roads along the route are open and the area you are delivering to is safe.
- Contact the delivery location for current and timely situations and conditions. Traffic
conditions are constantly changing.
- Remain in regular communication with your dispatcher to provide travel updates.
- Plan ahead, try to make deliveries in areas of unrest during the day, at night park in welllit, safe areas.
- Assess every situation prior to exiting the cab of your truck. If danger or exposure to
large gatherings in the form of protest exist, abort delivery operations.
- Conduct thorough pre-trip inspections before departing domiciled locations; eliminate
maintenance breakdowns from the equation.
- Always keep doors locked and windows closed. Remove keys from unattended vehicles
and ensure trailer locking and latching mechanisms are functioning properly.
- If you encounter a gathering, stop your vehicle and do not drive through. Avoid any
interaction and do not provoke the group.
- If available, utilize your in-cab camera in an unsafe situation to document your
surroundings.
- Maintain continuous contact with your dispatcher and safety department for specific
operating procedures and follow company policy.
