ACCIDENTS, CRIME & THINGS GOING WRONG
Updated: 3 days ago
Most journeys are uneventful.
Sometimes things go wrong.
You might be involved in a collision, return to find your curtains slashed, discover a broken trailer seal, have diesel stolen, find somebody has entered the cab or simply encounter a situation where something doesn't feel right.
Professional drivers also spend significant amounts of time alone, sometimes in isolated locations and at unsociable hours.
This section covers what to do when things don't go according to plan — including additional personal-security considerations for lone women drivers.
The first rule is always:
YOUR SAFETY COMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE, LOAD OR DELIVERY.
A damaged load, stolen diesel or missed delivery can be dealt with afterwards.
AFTER A ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
The first few minutes after a collision can be confusing.
Adrenaline can make you shake, become emotional, become angry or — surprisingly commonly — feel completely calm.
Give yourself a simple sequence:
STOP → SECURE → ASSESS → CALL → RECORD → REPORT
1. STOP
If you are involved in a road traffic collision, stop.
Secure the vehicle and apply the parking brake.
Before immediately jumping out of the cab:
LOOK AROUND YOU.
Where have you stopped?
Are you in a live traffic lane?
On a motorway?
On a blind bend?
Is there fast-moving traffic beside you?
Is anything leaking?
Is there smoke or fire?
Has the load moved?
Is the vehicle stable?
Your first priority is preventing one incident from becoming another.
2. SECURE THE SCENE — WITHOUT ENDANGERING YOURSELF
Where safe and appropriate:
activate hazard warning lights;
wear high-visibility clothing;
follow emergency-service instructions; and
warn others of an immediate danger where this can be done safely.
But:
Do not walk around live traffic unnecessarily.
Do not stand between vehicles.
Do not stand directly in front of or behind a damaged HGV.
Do not crawl underneath anything.
Do not enter a carriageway just to retrieve debris or take a photograph.
Do not attempt to rescue cargo from a dangerous position.
And if the vehicle, trailer or load appears unstable, keep away.
3. CHECK FOR INJURIES
Check yourself.
Then assess whether anybody else appears injured.
Remember that adrenaline can temporarily disguise pain and injury.
If somebody is seriously injured, unconscious, trapped or you are concerned about their condition, call the emergency services.
Do not unnecessarily move an injured person unless leaving them where they are presents a greater immediate danger.
4. CALL THE EMERGENCY SERVICES
In Ireland:
112 or 999
Be ready to tell the operator:
what happened;
your location;
road number if known;
direction of travel;
nearby junction/exit/landmark;
number of vehicles involved;
whether anybody is injured or trapped;
whether the road is obstructed;
whether there is fire, smoke or leaking fuel;
whether animals are involved;
whether dangerous goods are involved; and
any other immediate hazard.
Stay on the line and follow instructions.
5. EXCHANGE INFORMATION
Following a collision, obtain the appropriate information from the other driver/person involved.
Depending on the circumstances, record:
full name;
address;
contact details;
vehicle registration;
vehicle make/model;
insurance information;
company/operator details if it is a commercial vehicle; and
trailer registration/details where relevant.
Provide the information you are legally required to provide.
If Gardaí attend, cooperate with them and obtain relevant incident/reference information where available.
DON'T ADMIT LIABILITY
Be truthful.
Be cooperative.
But don't immediately announce:
"It was my fault."
Immediately after a collision you may not know everything that happened.
Dashcam footage, witnesses, vehicle positions, road layout and other evidence may subsequently become relevant.
Describe facts.
Don't invent facts and don't speculate.
6. PHOTOGRAPHS & EVIDENCE
If it is safe to do so, photographs can be extremely valuable.
Photograph:
the overall scene;
vehicle positions;
damage to your vehicle;
damage to other vehicles;
registration plates;
trailer;
load;
load restraints;
road layout;
lane markings;
junctions;
road signs;
traffic lights;
debris;
road surface;
weather/visibility;
damage to roadside property; and
anything else that may later help explain what happened.
Take wider photographs as well as close-ups.
But:
NO PHOTOGRAPH IS WORTH STEPPING INTO LIVE TRAFFIC FOR.
WITNESSES
If somebody independently witnessed the incident, ask for their:
name;
telephone number; and
contact information.
Don't coach them.
Don't ask them to "say" something.
Simply record how they can be contacted.
DASHCAM EVIDENCE
If the vehicle has a dashcam:
PRESERVE THE FOOTAGE.
Tell your employer/operator immediately.
Depending upon the system, footage may eventually overwrite itself.
Do not delete, alter, edit or selectively remove footage.
If the vehicle has multiple cameras — forward, rear, side or load-area cameras — remember that relevant evidence may exist on more than one recording.
TACHOGRAPH EVIDENCE
Tachograph information can also become relevant after a serious incident.
It may provide information relating to:
driving;
speed;
activity;
timing; and
vehicle use.
Do not attempt to alter or interfere with tachograph records.
Your operator/Transport Manager should ensure relevant data is preserved where necessary.
REPORT IT TO YOUR EMPLOYER
Contact your employer/operator/Transport Manager as soon as practicable.
Follow the company's accident procedure.
Tell them:
what happened;
where you are;
whether anyone is injured;
whether Gardaí/emergency services are attending;
condition of the vehicle;
condition of the trailer/load;
whether the road is obstructed; and
whether the vehicle can safely move.
Complete the company's accident/incident report as soon as reasonably possible while events are still fresh in your mind.
WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU REMEMBER
Afterwards, make a factual record.
Include:
date;
time;
location;
weather;
road conditions;
traffic conditions;
what happened immediately beforehand;
what you observed;
what happened afterwards;
witnesses;
Garda involvement;
injuries;
damage; and
any relevant unusual circumstances.
Don't embellish it.
Facts are enough.
NEAR MISSES
A near miss is something that could have caused injury, collision, damage or loss but didn't.
Near misses matter.
Examples might include:
a load shifting without falling;
almost striking something while reversing;
a trailer beginning to uncouple;
a wheel issue discovered before failure;
a vehicle pulling out and forcing emergency braking;
almost falling while accessing equipment; or
discovering a serious defect before it caused an incident.
Report near misses according to company procedures.
They are opportunities to fix problems before somebody gets hurt.
CRIME & SECURITY
HGVs can be attractive targets because criminals may be interested in:
the load • fuel • vehicle • trailer • equipment • driver's belongings
Your job is to reduce opportunity where reasonably possible.
Your job is not to physically defend company property from criminals.
FUEL THEFT
Fuel theft can happen while a vehicle is parked or while the driver is sleeping.
Possible warning signs include:
damaged fuel caps;
broken anti-siphon devices;
fuel around the vehicle;
unexpectedly low fuel level;
unfamiliar vehicles parked unusually close; or
people loitering around vehicles.
If you suspect somebody is actively stealing fuel:
DO NOT GET OUT AND CONFRONT THEM.
Lock the cab.
Call Gardaí/emergency assistance where appropriate.
Observe from a safe position if possible.
Record descriptions, registrations or other information only where you can do so without exposing yourself to danger.
Diesel belongs to the company.
Your safety is worth considerably more.
CURTAINS SLASHED
If you return to a curtainsider and discover that the curtain has been cut:
STOP.
Do not immediately pull the curtain open.
Do not assume the offenders have gone.
Look around first.
If the area feels unsafe, remain in or return to a secure location and contact Gardaí/site security/operator as appropriate.
Once safe, inspect for:
missing cargo;
disturbed cargo;
load movement;
additional cuts;
damaged straps;
broken seals;
damaged doors/locks; and
other evidence of interference.
Photograph the damage before disturbing it where practicable.
LOAD THEFT
If cargo has been stolen:
prioritise your safety;
contact Gardaí where appropriate;
notify your operator;
preserve the scene where practicable;
photograph damage;
don't unnecessarily touch disturbed areas;
identify what appears missing if safely possible; and
follow company/insurer procedures.
Do not chase offenders.
Do not follow their vehicle.
Do not physically try to recover the load.
You are a professional driver, not security personnel.
CAB BREAK-INS
If you return and believe somebody has entered your cab:
Don't immediately climb inside.
Look for signs of forced entry.
If you suspect the offender may still be nearby or inside:
move away and call for assistance.
Once it is safe:
photograph damage;
identify missing property;
contact Gardaí where appropriate;
notify your employer;
avoid unnecessarily disturbing potential evidence; and
arrange repairs if locks/windows have been compromised.
Remember that vehicle/company documents may also have been stolen.
Report these promptly.
TRAILER THEFT OR TAMPERING
Before moving a vehicle or trailer that has been left unattended, look at it.
Check:
trailer identity;
doors;
locks;
seals;
curtains;
landing legs;
fifth wheel/coupling;
kingpin area;
airlines/electrics;
tyres;
wheel area;
load;
securing equipment; and
anything that appears different from when you left it.
This is particularly important after an overnight stop.
Deliberate interference with a coupling or equipment could create a serious safety risk.
If something doesn't look right, don't move until you've checked it.
BROKEN OR MISSING SEALS
If a trailer/container was sealed and the seal is:
broken;
missing;
cut;
damaged;
different from the recorded number; or
otherwise suspicious,
do not simply replace it and carry on.
Photograph it.
Record the seal number where present.
Contact your employer/operator.
Follow company/customer/security procedures.
Depending upon the cargo and circumstances, Gardaí or other authorities may need to be contacted.
A broken seal does not automatically prove theft.
But it does require an explanation.
SAFE OVERNIGHT PARKING
Where you have a choice, favour established parking areas with appropriate security and facilities.
Consider:
lighting;
CCTV;
controlled entry/exit;
security patrols;
other occupied commercial vehicles;
toilets/showers;
mobile-phone signal;
proximity to assistance;
general visibility; and
whether the location feels safe.
Avoid isolated locations where possible, particularly when carrying valuable or theft-attractive loads.
Park so that you can leave if necessary.
Avoid creating situations where another vehicle can easily block you in.
Lock the cab whenever you leave it.
Do not leave valuables visible.
Keep your phone charged.
Keep keys somewhere you can access quickly.
And before going to sleep, check that doors and windows are properly secured.
PERSONAL SECURITY
You are under no obligation to open your cab door to a stranger.
If somebody approaches while you're parked and you are uncertain:
KEEP THE DOOR LOCKED.
Open the window only as much as necessary, or communicate through the closed window where practical.
If somebody claims to be:
police;
security;
site staff;
another driver;
customer personnel; or
somebody needing assistance,
and something doesn't feel right, verify who they are before leaving the cab.
If necessary, contact the site, Gardaí or your operator independently.
WHAT NOT TO TELL STRANGERS
Drivers often chat.
That's part of the job.
But be careful about casually revealing:
exactly what you're carrying;
value of the load;
collection point;
delivery destination;
delivery time;
your planned route;
where you're stopping overnight;
how long you'll be parked;
whether you're alone;
whether the trailer is empty/full;
security arrangements;
whether the vehicle has tracking;
where the keys are kept;
when another driver will arrive; or
details about future loads.
Be particularly cautious about social media.
A photograph can reveal:
your location;
registration;
trailer;
customer;
cargo;
route; and
the fact that you're away from home.
You don't know who is reading a public post.
LONE DRIVER SAFETY
Many professional drivers work alone for substantial periods.
Keep:
your phone charged;
emergency contacts accessible;
your operator's number easily available;
sufficient fuel;
essential medication where applicable;
suitable clothing/PPE;
drinking water; and
basic emergency equipment.
Let your operator know about significant unexpected delays or changes where company procedures require it.
If you become stranded somewhere unsafe, explain that when requesting assistance.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY FOR LONE WOMEN DRIVERS
Women are obviously perfectly capable of lone professional driving.
But acknowledging that women can sometimes face additional personal-security risks is sensible risk management, not insinuation of weakness.
A few extra precautions can make lone working considerably more comfortable and secure.
CHOOSE YOUR PARKING POSITION
Where possible, park:
in a well-lit area;
near other occupied HGVs;
reasonably close to toilets/facilities;
within CCTV coverage;
away from isolated corners;
where you can see your surroundings; and
where you cannot easily be boxed in.
Think about what the parking area will feel like at 3am, not just what it looks like at 7pm.
CHECK FACILITIES BEFORE YOU NEED THEM
Where possible, know where the:
toilets;
showers;
reception;
security office;
emergency exits; and
staffed areas
are located before settling down for the night.
This avoids wandering around an unfamiliar truck park alone later.
DON'T ADVERTISE THAT YOU ARE ALONE
You don't owe strangers information about:
whether you're travelling alone;
where your partner is;
where you're sleeping;
your next destination;
when you're leaving; or
whether anybody is expecting you.
If somebody asks:
"Are you here on your own?"
you don't have to answer truthfully simply to be polite.
A perfectly reasonable response is:
"The others aren't far away."
Your personal security takes priority over a stranger's curiosity.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
Sometimes you cannot identify exactly what is wrong.
Someone is hanging around your vehicle.
A van keeps moving around the parking area.
Someone is asking unusually detailed questions.
A person appears to be watching you.
A parking area simply doesn't feel right.
You do not need courtroom-quality evidence before taking precautions.
If somewhere feels unsafe and you can safely leave, leave.
Find somewhere else.
Tell your operator.
You are not being difficult.
KEEP THE CAB SECURE
When inside:
lock the doors;
keep windows appropriately secured;
don't leave keys visible or easily reachable;
keep your phone accessible;
don't open the door automatically when somebody knocks;
identify who is outside first; and
keep emergency contacts easily available.
Never compromise your ability to exit the cab quickly in a genuine emergency.
WALKING TO FACILITIES AT NIGHT
If you're leaving the cab after dark:
look outside before opening the door;
know where you're going;
use well-lit routes;
take your phone;
avoid headphones that prevent you hearing your surroundings;
don't walk between isolated trailers unnecessarily; and
stay aware of people and vehicles around you.
Where facilities are a considerable distance away or the area feels unsafe, speak to site security or staff.
IF SOMEBODY MAKES YOU UNCOMFORTABLE
You do not have to be polite to the point of putting yourself at risk.
If somebody is behaving inappropriately:
end the conversation.
Return to the locked cab or another safe place.
Contact site security, your operator or Gardaí as appropriate.
If another driver is harassing you, that behaviour is not something you are expected to accept because you're working in a male-dominated industry.
CONSIDER SHARING YOUR LOCATION — WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE
Where appropriate, sharing your live location temporarily with a trusted family member or agreed contact can provide reassurance during isolated work or overnight stops.
But don't publicly broadcast your location.
There is an enormous difference between:
a trusted person knowing where you are
and
the internet knowing where you are.
HAVE AN EXIT PLAN
When parking overnight, mentally note:
How do I get out of here?
Where is the exit?
Can the lorry leave without complicated manoeuvring?
Could another vehicle block you?
Where is security?
Where is the nearest staffed building?
You will probably never need that information.
That's fine.
The best emergency plan is usually one you never have to use.
IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS TRYING TO ENTER THE CAB
Lock the doors.
Do not get out to investigate.
Start the vehicle only if it is safe and lawful to do so and you need to move to safety.
Use the horn/lights if appropriate to attract attention.
Contact security or Gardaí.
If you are in immediate danger:
CALL 112 OR 999.
Your load is irrelevant at that point.
Protect yourself.
DON'T CONFRONT THIEVES
This applies to every driver.
If somebody is:
stealing fuel;
cutting curtains;
entering the trailer;
stealing cargo;
breaking into another vehicle; or
interfering with your equipment,
your instinct may be to confront them.
Don't.
You have no idea whether they are armed, whether there are other people nearby or how they will react.
Lock yourself somewhere safe and call for assistance.
Nothing on that vehicle is worth being assaulted for.
BEFORE LEAVING AFTER AN OVERNIGHT STOP
Do a very thorough walk around check of the vehicle.
Look particularly at:
tyres → wheels → fuel tank → curtains/body → doors → seals → trailer → coupling → airlines/electrics → lights → load/security equipment
You're looking not only for ordinary defects.
You're looking for interference.
If something has changed unexpectedly:
STOP AND INVESTIGATE BEFORE MOVING.
AFTER ANY CRIME OR SECURITY INCIDENT
Once you are safe:
1. Contact Gardaí/security where appropriate.
2. Notify your employer/operator.
3. Photograph damage where safe.
4. Preserve dashcam/CCTV information where possible.
5. Record times, locations and descriptions while fresh.
6. Don't unnecessarily disturb evidence.
7. Record stolen/damaged items.
8. Follow company and insurance procedures.
And remember that being the victim of a crime is not automatically evidence that the driver did something wrong.
Report honestly what happened.
AFTER A SERIOUS INCIDENT — CHECK YOURSELF TOO
Accidents, robberies, attempted break-ins and frightening encounters can affect people afterwards.
You may feel:
shaky;
angry;
embarrassed;
tearful;
hyper-alert;
unable to sleep;
nervous about returning to the road; or
find yourself repeatedly replaying what happened.
Don't dismiss this.
Talk to somebody.
If it continues to affect you, speak to your GP or an appropriate support service.
Being physically uninjured does not necessarily mean an incident hasn't affected you.
KEEP AN EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST
Every professional driver should be able to quickly access:
112 / 999
Employer/operator
Transport Manager
Breakdown provider
Insurance/accident contact where applicable
Site/customer contact where appropriate
Trusted personal emergency contact
Do not rely entirely on remembering telephone numbers.
THE DRIVER'S INCIDENT CHECKLIST
If something goes wrong:
STOP
Make yourself and the vehicle safe.
ASSESS
Injuries? Traffic? Fire? Load? Crime? Immediate danger?
CALL
112/999 where necessary.
PROTECT
Yourself first, then others where safely possible.
RECORD
Photos, witnesses, registrations, location, time and facts.
PRESERVE
Dashcam, tachograph and other evidence.
REPORT
Employer/operator/TM and Gardaí where appropriate.
DON'T CONFRONT
Property can be replaced.
FOLLOW UP
Complete the paperwork and report near misses too.
ONE LAST THING
Professional drivers become very protective of their vehicles and loads.
That's understandable.
You may have driven that lorry for years.
You may take enormous pride in it.
There may be hundreds of thousands of euro worth of vehicle and cargo sitting behind you.
It is still just property.
If somebody wants the diesel, cargo or contents badly enough to threaten your safety:
let them have it.
Lock yourself somewhere safe.
Move away if you safely can.
Call for help.
Remember too that personal security isn't about being frightened of everybody you meet.
It's about remaining aware.
You don't have to open your cab door.You don't have to tell a stranger what you're carrying.You don't have to tell somebody you're alone.You don't have to confront a thief.You don't have to stay somewhere that feels unsafe.
And whether you're male or female, newly qualified or thirty years into the job:
Your first responsibility in an emergency is getting yourself home safely.
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