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January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Being on the road, professional drivers have a unique opportunity to be the eyes and ears of our highways and impact our communities positively by playing a role in recognizing these heinous crimes and detecting potential victims of human trafficking.
At The Erb Group, we are members of the organization Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), which exists to educate, equip, empower, and mobilize members of the trucking, bus and energy industries to combat human trafficking. In an effort to increase awareness and action toward human trafficking, we’ve trained our drivers what to look for signs of modern-day slavery and what they should do if they suspect it.
The Truckers Against Trafficking training helps increase our numbers within the company of knowledge and understanding on this important matter. We’re proud to share that 89% of drivers have already completed the training and will continue to implement the training through our onboarding process.
In Canada, almost 3,000 people have been taken for the purpose of being trafficked between 2011 and 2021. With 96% of these trafficking victims being women and girls. The truth of these statistics may be surprising to some, but professional drivers are part of the first line of defence when it comes to identifying and reporting these incidents.\
Being aware is one of many things a driver can do to help! If you’re looking to go the extra mile, here are a few tips on how to spot red flags from Truckers Against Trafficking and the RCMP for drivers to look out for while on the road.
- Lack of knowledge of their whereabouts; not in control of ID/passport.
- Restricted or controlled communication – not allowed to speak for self.
- Shows visible signs of branding or scarring (indicating ownership by the trafficker).
- CB chatter about “commercial company” or flashing lights signalling “buyer” location.
- A van or RV that seems out of place out by trucks; a vehicle dropping someone off at a truck and picking them up 15-20 minutes later.
Human trafficking is a pressing issue often overlooked due to its hidden nature. Awareness is crucial; with more knowledge on the subject, professional drivers are able to help bring light to some of these situations that can happen right in front of us. We are committed to being part of the solution; this is why we continue to support TAT through a bronze sponsorship.
If you are on the road and spot suspicious activity, please call the Canadian human trafficking hotline at 1-833-900-1010, or if you are in the U.S., call 1-800-373-7888. All it takes is one simple call to rescue someone’s life.
