by Women In Trucking Staff, on Jan 6, 2026 2:45:42 PM
For women behind the wheel, safety on the road extends beyond defensive driving and vehicle maintenance – particularly for those involved in long-haul trucking. While trucking presents unique challenges for all drivers, female truck drivers often face additional concerns related to personal security, situational awareness, and work-life balance. The good news is that preparation, awareness, and smart habits can significantly reduce risk and increase confidence on the road.
How Safe Do Women Feel On The Road?
While professional truck driving can be a gratifying and rewarding career choice for women, it’s not without its concerns or drawbacks. For females, these concerns and challenges focus heavily on safety and harassment in a male-populated industry.
A few years ago, WIT published a WIT Female Driver Safety and Harassment Study. This research initiative was conducted to gain a voice of the driver around safety and harassment issues. MindShare Strategies, WIT’s association management company and publisher of Redefining the Road magazine, deployed this research project that involved an online survey. Female drivers weighed in through an online survey on critical areas of concern. Nearly 450 professional drivers completed the survey so the results are statistically valid.
The good news is that a majority of females feel the trucking industry is a safe one for them, according to feedback in this study. When asked if they feel trucking is safe for women to be employed in, approximately 54% strongly agreed or agreed with this statement. However, there are still a significant number of female drivers who do not think trucking is a safe industry for them. In fact, nearly 18% think that trucking is not a safe industry for women.
So what can women truck drivers do to enhance their safety? This article encapsulates a number of practical tips on safety from many professional truck drivers in the Women In Trucking (WIT) Facebook Private Discussion Group, which is comprised of nearly 11,000 followers. Given safety on the road is a concern for many female drivers, the moderators of this group asked the question: “What safety tips do you suggest for female truckers?” This article covers six practical tips that were commonly offered in the discussion.
Tip 1: Plan Ahead—Beyond the Route, Including Parking
Trip planning isn’t just about miles and delivery windows. Before starting a run, identify safe, well-lit truck stops, rest areas, and parking locations along your route. Use trusted apps, company resources, and peer recommendations to choose locations known for strong security, visible staff, and consistent traffic.
“Use good judgment,” advises Nicole, one of several professional truck drivers featured in this article. “Only experience will truly show you good places and bad places. I have refused to park somewhere simply because it felt wrong.”
Kathy agrees: “Stick to yourself. Be picky about where you park.”
Also plan ahead and take steps to minimize the times you may need to exit your cab when parked. “Get a porta potty so you don't have to get out of the truck at night,” says Robin.
Tip 2: Trust Your Instincts
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Whether it’s a parking area, a person approaching your truck, or an interaction at a fuel stop, trusting your instincts is one of your strongest safety tools. Don’t hesitate to relocate, lock down, or ask for help if you feel uncomfortable.
“Carry yourself with confidence,” advises Jacqueline. “Predators look for uncertainty. Confidence, real or projected, signals that you’re not an easy target.”
Lynda agrees: “Walk through the truck stop with your head held high. Make sure you make eye contact. Walk like you own the place. Don't play victim.”
“If something ‘feels off’ it probably is,” adds Gwen. “Trust your gut instinct and take a couple self-defense classes.”
Tip 3: Maintain Situational Awareness
Staying alert to your surroundings is key. Avoid distractions when entering or exiting your truck, fueling, or walking through parking lots. Simple habits such as scanning the area, keeping doors locked, and limiting phone use outside the cab can make a meaningful difference.
“Walk in the middle of lanes in parking lots, not next to the trucks,” advises Laura. “Act confident, be aware, and don't be looking at your phone!”
Tip 4: Control Access to Your Truck
Your cab is your personal space. Keep doors locked at all times, even during quick stops. Be cautious about sharing personal details, routes, or schedules with strangers, and avoid posting real-time location updates on social media while on the road.
Another professional driver, Jacqueline, suggests that you should secure your cab like it’s your home and suggests you follow these practices: “Keep doors locked at all times, even when you’re inside. Close curtains fully before changing or resting. Use window shades that block silhouettes. Consider a steering wheel lock or door bar for extra security.”
Tip 5: Have Tools of Protection Available
Female truck drivers can enhance personal safety in the cab by keeping practical, non-lethal safety essentials within easy reach. Bright flashlights, a loud personal alarm, and reflective gear improve visibility and draw attention if needed. Many drivers also keep door locks engaged at all times, use window coverings for privacy while resting, and carry basic first-aid supplies. The goal isn’t confrontation, but preparedness—having tools that support awareness, communication, and quick response can provide peace of mind and an added layer of protection against bad actors.
“Always be aware of your surroundings,” says Danielle. “Avoid walking around at night, if you can. I always carry a knife on me. I know of some ladies who carry pepper spray. If you are going to carry (whether it be a knife, pepper spray, pistol), be efficient with your carry option.
“Have wasp spray, it sprays farther the pepper spray,” advises Nancy. “Have a Billy club and lock doors - always. If walking with cup of coffee, always carry two so (any bad actor) thinks you have a co-driver. Walk with other drivers you feel comfortable with to and from the truck stop, and carry on a conversation as if you know them.”
Nicole agrees: “Carry bear spray or wasp spray,” but she emphasizes it’s important to be aware of company policies and any limitations you may need to follow based upon those: “Most companies don't like weapons on the truck.”
Tip 6: Use Technology and Build A Support Network
Modern technology can enhance safety. GPS tracking or a tracking app, check-in features, emergency alerts, dash cameras, and hands-free communication tools provide additional layers of protection. Let someone you trust know your route and check in regularly, especially during long hauls.
In addition, connection matters. Stay in touch with family, friends, dispatchers, or fellow drivers. Many female drivers find value in women-focused trucking communities and organizations that offer peer support, resources, and safety education.
“Keep communication tight,” says Jacqueline. “Share your route with someone you trust. Check in at predictable intervals. And use your phone’s ‘share location’ feature when stopping overnight.”
Related Articles:
- How Safe Do Female Drivers Feel On The Road?
- Park It: Lack of Truck Parking Causes Major Headaches for Drivers
- Addressing Sexual Harassment and Assault in Trucking
- Addressing Gender Bias and Harassment in the Trucking Industry
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