Most people associate truck driving with oil and gas drilling and mining, but the fact of the matter is that this is among the most dangerous jobs in the country. Not only are drivers exposed to harsh road conditions, but they are also responsible for the safety of other drivers and cargo on the road. Luckily, there are plenty of safety measures that drivers can take to ensure that they don’t end up in a car accident.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released a report on the most dangerous jobs in America. This ranking was based on fatal accident rates per 100,000 full-time workers, and truck driving came out on top. According to the report, truck drivers account for almost half of all workplace deaths, compared to logging and fishing, which both have a lower rate of fatalities. And if you are wondering, what is the most dangerous truck driving job?
What Makes Truck Driving So Dangerous?
One of the biggest contributing factors to accidents caused by trucks is their shape. Commercial truck drivers are not able to see all cars in their blind spots. They also face a high risk of hitting another vehicle due to their wide blind spot. Not all truck accidents are caused by the negligence of the truck driver, however. Occasionally, truck companies can be held liable for the actions of their employees. Listed below are some of the factors that make truck driving so dangerous.
Large blind spots – Truck drivers have massive blind spots, and it’s often difficult to see people in front and behind them. Truck drivers are unable to see other vehicles and must assume that they cannot see them either. Because they cannot see other cars and cannot stop quickly, this miscalculation can be deadly. Truck accidents also occur due to other factors, including fatigue, bad weather, and poor health. For this reason, truck drivers should always plan to take extra precautions when driving.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Truck Driver?
What is the life expectancy of a commercial truck driver? According to the FMCSA, truck drivers live sixteen years shorter than the average person. According to Dr. Moore-Ede, who taught at Harvard Medical School for 23 years, truck drivers experience higher rates of lung cancer and heart disease than other workers. This could be due to the high level of exposure to propane and diesel exhaust or increased smoking rate. Regardless of the causes, it’s clear that the trucking lifestyle is not healthy.
Many factors play a role in this shorter life span. Commercial truck drivers spend much of their day behind the wheel and are therefore particularly susceptible to obesity and sleep apnea. The typical trucker’s diet is low in nutritious foods, and he or she tends to eat fast food and junk food from convenience stores. These foods are often high in sugar, saturated fats, and sodium. Adding preservatives and other chemicals to processed foods is also detrimental.
What is the Death Rate of Truck Drivers?
Heavy-duty trucking is among the deadliest professions. On average, one out of every seven workers die on the job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers suffered the most fatalities in 2018. In 2016, there were 843 truck driver fatalities, which was a slight increase from the previous year. In the US, the death rate for workers overall was 3.5 per 100,000. However, in the trucking industry, the death rate is higher than most other industries.
There are a number of reasons why truck drivers are at such a high risk of fatal accidents. Many truck drivers have uninsured health coverage, which makes it even more difficult to protect themselves. Additionally, they are more exposed to toxins from diesel and propane. Despite the high fatality rate, truck drivers typically age far younger than the national average. Some truck drivers are even overweight, with a BMI of more than 30 percent.
What Dangers Do Truck Drivers Face?
Despite their heavy equipment, truck drivers are at risk of falling. Because they are ensconced in a 72-foot-long vehicle that weighs up to 80,000 pounds, truck drivers must know how far they should stop for any road conditions. The most obvious of these risks is icy roads. To avoid slipping on ice, drivers should carefully monitor weather conditions and plan their trips accordingly. If they cannot avoid the risk, they should park safely and wait until state maintenance workers clear the road.
Besides driving long distances, truck drivers are also prone to developing a variety of health conditions. They are more at risk of suffering from musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis and joint pain. Driving on slippery, icy roads and inclement weather also increases the likelihood of accidents. Truck drivers also experience back and leg pain as a result of sitting for hours at a time. Furthermore, their eyesight can become weakened through constant staring at the road.
What Kind of People are Truckers?
Most truckers are self-employed, independent people who enjoy being on their own. But there are some downsides to being a trucker. In addition to high turnover, truckers are also less likely to have health insurance than other workers. About 15% of drivers are uninsured, compared to 10% of all workers. And the industry is notoriously dangerous. Truck drivers are five times more likely to die in a work-related accident than the average worker. Most deaths in trucking accidents were the result of accidents on the highway, with the most likely cause being a confused passenger driver.
Young people often enter the trucking industry. They may be interested in the freedom and adventure of the industry. And because training for the industry is typically brief, these young people may have an interest in pursuing a trucking career. And some may know people who have successfully made the transition and are inspired by their example. In the long run, truckers are more likely to have a good sense of independence. As a result, a truck driving career is a good choice for those with experience.
Are Truck Drivers Safer Than Car Drivers?
The trucking industry knows that trucks are more safe than other vehicles on the road. According to a recent poll by the American Trucking Association, eight out of 10 Americans believe that truck drivers are safer than car drivers. Overall, 65 percent of respondents have a positive attitude toward the trucking industry, and 74 percent believe that in an accident involving a car and a truck, the driver of the passenger vehicle was at fault. This poll was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies among 800 registered voters.
While there are numerous safety issues faced by truck drivers on the road, there are still some common mistakes that can be avoided. Drivers must anticipate potential dangers and always buckle up. The FMCSA has strict regulations for truck drivers and warns them about driving too fast. This is true regardless of whether a driver is traveling within the posted speed limit or not. It is always safer to slow down if the conditions call for it.
What is the Most Dangerous Driving Condition?
Heavy snowfall is one of the most dangerous conditions a truck driver may experience. While icy roads can make for slick roads, they can also cause accidents because trucks tend to have higher stopping distances than regular cars. While this is not always the case, truck drivers must be prepared to stop and chain up their trucks if necessary. In addition, trucks are also more difficult to maneuver in poor road conditions, including rain.
Driver fatigue is one of the most common reasons for crashes involving large trucks. Fatigued drivers are at a high risk of accident injuries. Fatigue, which is often a result of lack of sleep, can also cause accidents. In addition, the lack of skill and attention span of a truck driver can make him a more vulnerable driver. While this may seem like a minor issue, it could have disastrous consequences.
Fatigue, oil spills, and road hazards can also lead to falls. Additionally, drivers can also suffer from leg cramps as they drive long distances. Bad road surfaces can jar the spine and cause eyestrain. Lastly, driving a large truck at high speeds can damage the eyes. So, how dangerous is truck driving? Here are some tips for avoiding road rage. While these tips are only a few of the potential risks, truckers need to take precautions to avoid them.
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