Essential Safety Tips for New Armored Car Drivers
Working as an armored car driver isn’t like an average 9-to-5. It’s a high-risk profession that demands constant vigilance and preparation. If you’re new to the job, you’ve probably already heard plenty about protocols and safety, but sometimes it’s good to think about the worst case scenarios just so you can be mentally prepared.
- Never Stop for People You Don’t Trust
One of the oldest tricks in the book is criminals impersonating authority figures. In 1962, during an event known as the Great Plymouth Mail Truck Robbery, two men dressed as police officers waved down an armored mail truck. The drivers, thinking it was a routine traffic stop, stopped and ended up being led into a dead-end where they lost $1.5 million. Not everyone who looks official is there to help you.
Today, some companies have protocols in place for what to do when stopped by police. They usually involve communication between the police department in question and the armored car company’s dispatch to see whether the traffic stop is legitimate. This may involve taking the officer’s credentials and sending them to dispatch for verification.
If the cops flag you down, don’t assume the worst—but don’t open up just because they’re flashing a badge either. Check with dispatch. It might feel awkward, but it's better than ending up in a dangerous situation. If you ever feel uneasy, stay inside the vehicle with the doors locked and the engine running. Remember, you’re not obligated to hop out unless you’re 100% sure it’s legit.
- Don’t Stick to a Routine
Robbers love predictability. If you’re taking the same route every day, at the same time, stopping at the same gas station, you’ve become a sitting duck. During an armored car robbery in Arizona in 1997, the perpetrators had studied their intended victims’ route for almost a year and knew the drivers’ routine, including the best spot where they could pull them over, force them to open the truck, and escape with $228,000. As for the drivers, they got stuffed into bags and dumped into a lake.
Mix it up. Plan different routes and keep alternate plans in your back pocket. The fewer patterns you fall into, the harder you are to target.
- Pay Attention During Stops
Delivery and pickup spots are where things can go south fast. This is where attackers are most likely to strike because they know you’re distracted, focused on hauling heavy bags of cash into the truck as quickly as possible. The 1981 Brink’s robbery is a gut-wrenching example. During what seemed like a routine delivery stop, robbers ambushed the crew, killing two policemen and a Brink’s driver. It’s a brutal reminder that even “normal” stops can turn deadly.
Here’s the deal: when you’re at a stop, don’t zone out. One team member should always be scanning the area while others handle the delivery. Drivers? Keep that engine running and stay ready to hit the gas. Even if the area looks calm, don’t let your guard down.
- Keep Your Head on a Swivel
If you want to be truly alert and “switched on,” you’ll want to notice the little things. Is someone hanging out near your route a little too long? Did a car make the same turns as you for the last mile? Trust your gut. The 1997 Dunbar Armored robbery happened because the criminals planned every detail and took advantage of gaps in the crew’s awareness such as blind spots in Dunbar’s security camera placement and the predictability of the guards’ routine. They walked away with $18.9 million. Don’t make it that easy for anyone.
Distractions are your worst enemy here. This isn’t the time to scroll through your phone or zone out on the radio. Use mirrors, reflective windows, or even casual glances to keep tabs on what’s happening around you. If something feels off, don’t ignore it.
- Always Wear Your Protective Gear
Here’s the truth: no amount of preparation can make you invincible. There are risks in this line of work, and you owe it to yourself to be as protected as possible. That’s why wearing a reliable bulletproof vest is essential. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first day or your hundredth; being caught unprotected could cost you everything.
The BulletSafe VP4 Advanced Vest is a solid choice for anyone in the armored car business. It’s easy to wear over your clothes, doesn’t weigh you down, and offers NIJ Level IIIA protection against most handgun threats. The best part? It’s designed to be comfortable even during those long, grueling shifts. Think of it as your last line of defense when everything else goes sideways.
Driving an armored car requires you not only to protect valuable cargo but also your life and the lives of your teammates. Learn from history, stay sharp, and don’t be complacent. The more prepared you are, the less likely you are to end up in a dangerous situation. And when it comes to protection, don’t settle for less. The BulletSafe VP4 Vest is here to have your back—literally. Stay safe out there.
To buy the BulletSafe VP4 vest, click here.