Choosing a career in truck driving is among the toughest jobs out there. Of course, it has its perks too, like earning a paycheck while being out on the open road, visiting new places, and working without having a boss looking over your shoulder all day. But without a doubt, there’s no denying that long-haul trucking is a dangerous occupation – and for more reasons than you might think.
Even daily commuters witness accidents, driver mistakes, and near misses on short commutes. Because truck drivers spend several hours a day driving cross-country, there will be dangers involved. With that said, that doesn’t negate the benefits and perks that truck drivers enjoy, but it’s something to be mindful of. Read on to learn of the common occupational hazards in trucking and how to minimize or avoid them altogether.
Road Hazards
Driving the thousands of miles that truckers do, it’s inevitable that road hazards will be encountered at some point along the way. Common hazards drivers face are debris in the road, often as a result of an accident or bad storm, and steep grades that require proper gear management and brake maintenance.
Without a doubt, drivers also face extreme weather conditions, ranging from winter ice or snowstorms, to fog, wind, or torrential rains. That’s why taking necessary precautions can be a literal lifesaver.
Drivers must also be always on the lookout for careless drivers and pedestrians. Unfortunately, all too often, people don’t consider the massive weight of semi-trucks and how cumbersome and dangerous it is to make quick maneuvers. Some of these risks can be avoided with a bit of advance preparation, and for the unavoidable ones, staying attentive will increase safety.
Chronic Health Issues
Research shows that truck drivers have a higher risk of developing health problems due to the typical lifestyle and nutrition habits of being on the road. At the top of the list is the risk of musculoskeletal problems, which include arthritis, joint pain, and back, neck, or shoulder injuries.
Physical pain and associated problems are generally caused by the prolonged hours of sitting and driving, but these problems also occur from loading and unloading trucks. Even more severe than the chronic pain or inflammation is the fact that a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of blood clots (i.e. deep vein thrombosis) in the legs.
Fortunately, the risk of developing such issues can be reduced or avoided by implementing a daily exercise routine that includes stretches to help loosen the affected muscles. When driving, truckers should also practice good posture. If necessary, adjust the seat height, distance from pedals, and add a pillow or towel behind the back or neck for better support.
Obesity
Another effect of a sedentary lifestyle is weight gain. Studies indicate that the body’s metabolic rate slows after sitting for a brief thirty minutes, and drivers sit for 7+ hours a day. A slower metabolic rate and weight gain also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
In addition to exercising regularly, it’s also beneficial to develop healthy eating habits that include fresh produce and whole grains, while avoiding fast food, soft drinks, and sugar.
Stress
Truck drivers face stressful situations on a daily basis, like sitting in traffic or encountering delays that can make it difficult to meet delivery deadlines, not to mention watching out for other drivers, making last-minute route changes due to road construction or accidents, and dealing with dangerous weather conditions.
Other factors also play a role in causing stress too, including poor sleep, being away from home, and so on. While it’s impossible to avoid some of these stress-causing things, setting aside time for self-care and engaging in hobbies or enjoyable activities can help improve overall well-being.
Lack of Parking
Not being able to find a parking place can be frustrating for anyone, but this is especially challenging when driving large trucks. Such challenges are especially common in highly populated areas or small towns with limited parking, when deliveries need to be made.
Truckers also face limited parking options on long-haul jobs when they need to find a safe place to park for some quality sleep. Sometimes parking issues can be alleviated with some advance planning and schedule alterations.
Have you considered all of these challenges truckers face? Do you have more to add to the list? At TCI Transportation, we’re dedicated to providing pertinent, helpful, and forward-looking insights for current and future truck drivers. If you’re interested in learning more about a career in truck driving or simply want to receive updates on the latest trucking-industry news and events, sign up for our free newsletter.
