There are millions of truck drivers in America. You have likely seen a few dozen trucks if you have spent any time on the highway. These truckers are constantly on the road, and the challenges of their job can pose a significant danger for everyone involved.
Here is what you should know about long-haul drivers:
Truckers have quickly declining physical health
Long trips cause all sorts of physical health hazards to pop up. It is unlikely that truckers find any time to get out of their truck and do cardio or go for a short jog to keep their body fit and healthy. Meals are limited to high-calorie snacks that can lead to diabetes, obesity and a multitude of other issues. Truck stops can be few and limited when truckers are looking for a few hours of sleep.
All this combined can cause high heart rates, underlying heart disease and eye diseases. These issues could put you and the drivers around you in danger if suddenly a trucker’s health fails them.
Mental health is also at risk for truckers
Trucking is often a lonely and isolated job for long periods and only the radio for company. Many truckers work to keep dinner on the table for their families back home. These truckers rarely see their family throughout the week. These stressful work practices can lead truckers into depression and posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD), leading to poor vehicle handling or even acts of road rage.
Fatigue is a real issue for many truckers
Losing sleep can cause problems focusing for anyone so it’s no wonder truck drivers fall into a daze when driving. Highway hypnosis can lead to truckers passing out while driving and drifting through lanes or off roads. This puts drivers and pedestrians at risk around truckers.
It is easy for truckers to ignore these problems when driving is their sole income. You may need to seek legal help if you have recently been in an accident with a negligent truck driver.