Trucking can often be portrayed as a lonely profession with endless hours on the road and little human interaction and the occasional black dog. It's also a stereotypically male dominated profession.

So just how safe would a female trucker be, particularly one running solo?

The question came up on the subreddit of Reddit dedicated to truckers.

The Reality of Road Safety: Gender-Neutral or Not?

The basic consensus is that, yes, it's no more or less safe a profession for either gender but women will certainly receive a great deal of unwanted attention.

Yep, I was seated at a table waiting for a shower and a random ass man just plopped down and started talking to me; I very rarely hang around inside, but I was next in line according to the app

Many women who are veterans of the road share advice keeping your head on a swivel, wear gender neural clothing and personal protection such as pepper spray.

READ MORE: Truckers Regularly Cross Very Remote Areas of Michigan and Go Hundreds of Miles Out of Their Way to Avoid Chicago

There are conflicting reports on safety in Detroit. With some advising to stay away and others finding the stories exaggerated.

I am female, and I got my CDL in 2006. I've ran solo, and team. I run from Tennessee to California 2-3 times a month, and I've never had a problem....The US isn't nearly as dangerous as Fox News claims. I go to Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, Los Angeles and Mc Allen, TX and I have never felt like I was in danger.

Truck Stop Survival Guide: Essential Tips for All Drivers

A YouTube channel run by a veteran trucker shared five tips any driver should do to stay safe at a truck stop:

👇🏼BELOW: Heads Up - These are the Lowest Clearance Bridges in Michigan + Abandoned Truck Stop: Erie, Michigan👇🏼

 

  • Lock the doors
  • Park in well lit and heavily trafficked areas
  • Don't be flashy with money or valuables
  • Pay attention walking - eyes open and no earbuds
  • Don't get comfortable with strangers - they may be looking to scam you

Heads Up - These are the Lowest Clearance Bridges in Michigan

It may be funny to see on social media when a truck encounters a bridge that's too low, but it's not a situation you'd ever want to find yourself in. Here are the lowest clearance bridges in Michigan

Gallery Credit: Google Maps Street View

Abandoned Truck Stop: Erie, Mi