Our Safety Tips for Truckers in Areas of Protest or Civil Unrest

Deliveries don’t stop when cities heat up. When protests or civil unrest impact your route, the goal is simple: protect yourself, protect the public, and protect the load. Use the playbook below to plan ahead, stay aware, and make smart calls in real time.

Priority Actions (Read This First)

• Call 911 immediately for any emergency or threat to life.
• Do not drive through crowds. Stop, secure the vehicle if safe, and contact 911 and dispatch.
• Avoid hot zones. Reroute early if demonstrations are active along your path.
• Keep dispatch in the loop. Continuous, clear communication is non‑negotiable.
• Deliver in daylight when possible. Park only in well‑lit, secure areas at night.

Plan Before You Roll

• Scan local conditions: Check news, traffic apps, and state DOT alerts for closures or planned demonstrations.
• Confirm with the receiver: Have dispatch verify site status, gate hours, and any access restrictions near the facility.
• Build a reroute: Identify at least two safe alternates and note fuel/parking options along each.
• Pre‑trip like it matters: A thorough inspection reduces the risk of a breakdown in a sensitive area.

On the Road: Situational Awareness

• Heads up, not head down: Reduce distractions; keep eyes moving 360° around the vehicle.
• Slow is smooth: Approach large gatherings, blocked intersections, or unusual pedestrian activity with extreme caution.
• Windows up, doors locked: Maintain a secure cab; never leave keys in the vehicle.
• Protect your space: Leave extra following distance to allow safe, legal evasive options.

If You Encounter a Crowd

• Stop safely. Do not push forward into people under any circumstance.
• Call 911 and dispatch immediately. Share your location, direction of travel, and a brief description of the scene.
• Avoid engagement. Do not argue, film confrontationally, or make gestures that could escalate tension.
• Document passively. If equipped, rely on in‑cab cameras to record events.

At the Delivery

• Assess before exiting the cab. If the area looks unsafe, stay inside, lock up, and call dispatch.
• Use daylight to your advantage. Prioritize daytime arrivals in affected zones.
• Coordinate alternatives. If conditions are unsafe, work with dispatch/receiver on rescheduling, alternate gates, or a different drop location.

Secure the Equipment

• Cab security: Doors locked, windows closed, valuables out of sight.
• Trailer integrity: Verify locks, seals, and latch mechanisms are functioning properly.
• Parking: Choose well‑lit, populated, camera‑monitored locations whenever possible.

Communication Protocol

• Real‑time updates: Keep dispatch informed of location changes, delays, and route adjustments.
• Two‑way verification: What’s on the screen and what you see on the street can differ—speak up early.
• Know your policy: Review company procedures on civil unrest scenarios with your dispatcher or safety team.

After‑Action: Report and Reset

• Log the incident: Note times, locations, and key details. Save dashcam events if applicable.
• Debrief with safety: Share what worked and what didn’t to improve the next run.
• Check the equipment again: Quick post‑trip inspection before the next move.

The MigWay Standard

We plan. We execute. Your safety comes first—always. Stay alert, follow the playbook, and lean on dispatch. We appreciate the professionalism you bring to every mile, especially when conditions get complicated.