Professional drivers may encounter unexpected and potentially dangerous situations during periods of protest or social unrest. Your personal safety and security are always the top priority. While it’s impossible to plan for every scenario, there are practical steps drivers can take to reduce risk and stay protected on the road.
Based on guidance from the American Trucking Associations (ATA) Safety Management Council and Transportation Security Council, here are key recommendations for drivers and motor carriers:
Key Safety Recommendations for Drivers
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Report emergencies immediately. If you are in danger or witness an emergency, call 911 right away.
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Avoid areas of unrest whenever possible. Use caution near large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
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Plan for road closures. Check local news, route planning tools, and communicate with your dispatcher or safety department to confirm roads and delivery locations are safe and open.
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Verify conditions at delivery locations. Traffic and security situations can change quickly—call ahead when needed.
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Stay in regular communication. Keep your dispatcher informed of route changes, delays, or concerns.
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Plan deliveries strategically. When possible, make deliveries during daylight hours and park overnight in well-lit, secure areas.
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Assess conditions before exiting the cab. If you observe danger or exposure to large gatherings, abort the delivery and contact your dispatcher.
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Complete thorough pre-trip inspections. Preventative maintenance reduces the risk of breakdowns in unsafe areas.
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Secure your vehicle at all times. Keep doors locked, windows closed, remove keys from unattended vehicles, and ensure trailer locks and latches are secure.
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Do not drive through crowds. If you encounter a gathering, stop, avoid interaction, and do not provoke or engage.
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Document when appropriate. If available and safe to do so, use in-cab cameras to record surroundings.
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Follow company procedures. Maintain continuous contact with dispatch and safety teams and adhere to company policies.
Final Reminder
Situations involving social unrest can escalate quickly and unpredictably. Staying alert, communicating early, and prioritizing safety over schedules or deliveries helps protect drivers, equipment, and the public.
Your safety matters—always choose caution first.