How Drivers Can Stay Safe During George Floyd Protests

Some truck drivers have reported looting of packages, bricks being thrown, and other dangerous situations sometimes encountered when they are in areas where protesters are demonstrating against police violence in the wake of the death of George Floyd.

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June 4, 2020

How Drivers Can Stay Safe During George Floyd Protests — Most protests are peaceful, but there have been reports of people looting trucks and attacking drivers during the unrest.
Photo: Fibonacci Blue via Wikimedia Commons

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As news reports highlight truck drivers facing dangerous incidents in some areas where protests are ongoing in the wake of the death of George Floyd at the hands of police, the American Trucking Associations is offering recommendations for professional drivers and motor carriers operating in areas of protest and social unrest.

While it is impossible to plan for each situation, notes the association and its safety and security councils, there are key safety and security measures it recommends drivers take:

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 well-lit, 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, use 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.