Truck drivers face numerous risks while on the road. Because they are required to drive regardless of weather conditions, truckers often have to continue driving through a storm, even if it is heavy and dangerous. Some truck drivers will simply wait it out, but others will push through. In addition, the highways are particularly dangerous during the summer months when traffic is high and roads are more congested. Because of this, truckers often end up with injuries and even fatalities.
In addition to fatigue, many truck drivers are subject to depression, and some even end up taking prescription drugs that impair their driving. Despite the high risk of trucking accidents, truck drivers tend to work long hours and a high rate of pay. These factors make truck driving a dangerous job. Drivers often drive despite being tired or unwell, just to earn more money. The result can be an accident that kills the driver or injures many others.
Is It Unhealthy to Be a Truck Driver?
Long-haul truck drivers are notorious for developing a number of health problems. The long hours of sitting, avoiding exercise and eating unhealthy food all lead to a range of health issues. Smoking and lack of physical activity are also common among long-haul truck drivers. However, there are programs and resources to help long-haul truck drivers combat these health issues. Listed below are some of the top health risks for long-haul truck drivers.
The long hours and schedules of truck drivers are demanding, and stress can lead to a number of injuries. Many drivers suffer from depression, and they may also take prescription drugs that impair their ability to drive safely. Drivers also risk falling or getting hurt while lifting and unloading boxes and packages. They may even fall or slip and trip, putting themselves and other road users in danger.
Taking small breaks at regular intervals can help prevent fatigue and increase energy levels. Truck drivers should stretch their legs at rest stops and perform simple exercises to rekindle their drive energy. Avoid fast food, which can be high in sodium, and choose healthy options. Also, avoid salty sides and high-fat foods. These tips should help truck drivers avoid chronic diseases and improve their overall health.
What Dangers Do Truck Drivers Face?
Truck drivers can experience several types of dangers. The physical strain of lifting heavy loads and opening large doors is enough to cause back injuries. Drivers are also susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning, although good ventilation and truck maintenance can reduce the risk. The dangers of personal attack and theft are also a factor, especially for truckers carrying valuable goods. Because of these dangers, the trucking industry has taken steps to protect its drivers. Drivers should avoid driving in shady areas, lock the cab when leaving the vehicle, and keep the truck visible and locked.
Another type of danger that truck drivers face is fatigue. Long hours in the seat of a heavy truck can lead to fatigue, which can cause a fall. Oil and grease spills are another danger. Other types of physical damage can happen while driving long hours, such as back pain and leg cramps from sitting on an uncomfortable seat. Bad road surfaces can jar the spine, and staring at the road for extended periods can damage the eyes.
Are Truckers the Safest Drivers?
When it comes to driving, truckers are arguably the safest, despite their reputations as reckless and irresponsible drivers. In addition to their long hours on the road, they are often exposed to hazardous conditions, which is why they can get extremely irritated when they encounter unsafe drivers. While there are a few bad apples in this profession, the vast majority of truck drivers are friendly and courteous.
To keep themselves safe while driving, truckers should make sure to keep their eyes on the road. It helps to plan their routes, and to keep their heads on a swivel at all times. Truckers should always make sure to scan the road ahead, both city and highway, as this distance is roughly equivalent to four football fields. Furthermore, they should maintain a safe following distance of seven to eight seconds, depending on their vehicle’s weight. During bad weather, this distance can increase up to 14 seconds.
Truckers must be aware of other vehicles, as well as roadworkers. To avoid accidents, truckers should also be well-rested and always check weather reports. Truck drivers should also avoid high-traffic areas and peak traffic times, since the more people on the road, the greater the chances of accidents. Truck drivers should also slow down in work zones, because most motorists don’t know how to react to lane-switching trucks.
How Many Truckers Died in 2020?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tracks the number of fatal truck crashes and the number of deaths among truckers. According to the latest statistics, there will be around 4,895 truckers killed in the U.S. in 2020. In 2019, there were 5,005 truck-related fatalities. Although the rate is predicted to decrease slightly in the second and third quarters of 2020, it is projected to rise by 13.1% in the fourth quarter. The projected number of deaths in 2020 will be the highest since 2007.
Fatal accidents involving large trucks are common, but they can be avoided by following the rules of the road. According to the ITI study, more than half of fatal truck crashes occurred on rural roads and less than a quarter happened on interstates. The vast majority of fatal accidents occurred between 7 am and 4 pm, while only 5% happened during the night. In addition, truck crashes are the most common type of crash, with nearly 85% of fatalities occurring in the daytime. Additionally, truck drivers are most likely to die in accidents involving two or more trucks, as they must have ample space for other vehicles.
What is the Death Rate of Truck Drivers?
The death rate for truck drivers was recently released, and it is the highest since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began tracking such data. In fact, the number of trucker fatalities in 2018 was 28 per 100,000 workers. By comparison, fishing and hunting, logging, and construction all had lower fatality rates. The industry, however, does have a high risk of workplace fatality, accounting for about one out of every three deaths in the United States.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has published information on fatalities in the workplace, and the number of large truck accidents is highest on Sunday. According to the statistics, 7% of large truck crashes occurred on Sundays, while 7% occurred on Saturdays. In 2017, 663 truck driver fatalities occurred on Sundays. On the other hand, the worst day for truck drivers is Thursday. According to 2014 statistics, trucks were involved in more than half of all accidents, with a death rate of 1,893 per 100,000 full-time-equivalent workers.
What Do Truck Drivers Suffer From?
Among the most common mental health problems among truckers, social isolation is one of the most common. Long-haul truckers spend weeks away from home and family, often sleeping in roadside motels, rest areas, and truck stops. In addition, a truck driver’s hectic work schedule can cause sleep deprivation. Long driving hours and unpredictable schedules can disrupt sleep cycles, leading to problems with social anxiety and depression.
Many truck drivers suffer from knee pain. Prolonged sitting, repetitive motions, and jumping off trailers can cause pain in the knees. In addition to overexertion, drivers are also at risk of knee pain, known as patellar tendonitis. Neck pain can also occur as a result of long hours spent seated in one position, and some trucker companies even allow their drivers to bring their pets along. Medical attention may be necessary if the pain persists.
Sleep apnea is another common physical health issue among truck drivers. In a study conducted by the National Center for Biomedical Information (NCBI), approximately 20% of truck drivers report having problems sleeping. Even mild sleep apnea can result in a trucker suffering from extreme daytime fatigue. While sleep apnea can be treated, many truckers fail to seek treatment for it.
Why Do Truck Drivers Get Fat?
Keeping an eye on your diet is crucial for any truck driver. Not only will you avoid putting on extra pounds, but you will also have more energy. Eating healthy can also prevent many diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The long hours of driving also cause truck drivers to neglect the well-being of their families. They don’t eat the healthy food they need, and they may turn to sugar or caffeine to boost their energy. But the sugar and calories in these drinks can quickly add up.
Truck drivers are notorious for their sluggish midsections. The fact that they don’t spend a lot of time on their feet means that they burn very few calories throughout the day. They’re also often not able to access exercise facilities or health food stores. However, a recent study from the American Trucker Association suggests that even small changes in diet can help truck drivers stay lean and slim.
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