Driver (CDL) - Safety Precautions

The following precautions must be taken to protect your safety and your vehicle safety before, during, and after HAZMAT transportation.

On the road:

• Be alert when leaving. Criminal surveillance often begins at, or within a mile of your origin. Do not discuss your cargo, destination, or other trip specifics on open channels or near people you do not know.
• If you believe that you are being followed, call 911 and your dispatcher immediately.
• Avoid being boxed in. Where possible, leave room in front of and behind your truck.
• Look for vehicles following you, especially if there are 3 or more people in a car.
• If you believe you are being hijacked, try to keep your truck moving.

When parking:

• Leave your truck in a secure parking lot if possible; if not, be certain someone can watch your vehicle.
• If team driving, always leave one person with the truck.
• Never leave your vehicle running with the keys in it; shut off the engine and lock the doors.
• If at all possible, do not stop in "hot spots" - unsafe or high crime areas.

With your vehicle:

• Always lock the cargo doors with padlocks.
• Use seals to prevent and identify tampering.
• Use an engine kill switch.
• Use tractor and trail brake locking devices.
• Check your electronic tracking systems regularly.
• If you drop a trailer, use a fifth wheel lock whenever possible.

To learn more about CDL HAZMAT Transportation visit our DOT Driver (CDL) HAZMAT Transportation Online Training web page.