If you or your loved one is working in the trucking industry, you might be wondering how safe trucking actually is. While dot inspections and mandatory maintenance make trucks a little bit safer, there are always risks involved with any mechanical job.
Not only can drivers be harmed while being out on the road, but there is also the potential for them to be harmed while they are loading or working with equipment that is on the trucks.
The Dangers of Being a Truck Driver
One of the main concerns that come with being a truck driver is being in a collision either with a car or another semi-truck. This can result in serious injuries that can take months or even years to overcome and get back to normal.
Another danger of being a truck driver comes with working long hours. Many truck drivers have health issues because of the long hours they have to work and because they are forced to work when they are tired.
Truck drivers also can develop mental health issues because they are often isolated while driving and they do not see their friends and family for long periods of time.
Another thing to keep in mind is that truck drivers are often the sole income for a family. So, if they get injured or pass away in an accident, the family is now left without an income.
Health Issues and Truck Driving
As previously stated, many truckers develop issues while they are out on the road. Health issues are easy to develop if the person is sitting for long periods of time and they often have limited time to do physical activity to stay healthy.
The sedentary lifestyle comes with many different health problems including obesity, cardiovascular illnesses, hypertension, and many other things.
Some truck drivers also develop issues with eating because they do not have the opportunity to cook healthy food and they are forced to eat fast food or other quick foods on the go.
If you have driven long distances, you also know how hard it is on your neck and back. Long-distance truck drivers often have pain in their neck and shoulders because of the way they have to keep their posture when driving for long distances.
Even if the truck driver has time to take breaks, they might get stuck in traffic and have to spend their breaks stuck on congested roads. Driving in traffic can also be stressful for some people and spending hours in traffic is hard on everyone’s mind and body.
Drivers don’t only get strained muscles and other issues when driving though. They can also get injuries when lifting containers or crates. In addition, some drivers can get injured when they slip and fall while on the job when trying to load or unload their cargo.
Truck drivers can also get themselves into dangerous situations if they choose to drive over the speed limit as getting into an accident in a semi-truck while going over the speed limit is extremely dangerous.
Try to Make Healthy Choices
Even though getting healthy while on the road is hard, your body and your mind will benefit from you eating healthy and not eating fast food all the time. You can also try to find places that make soups and salads rather than always eating sandwiches or other fatty foods.
If you like to eat between meals, make sure you pack some healthy snacks like protein bars and fruits. You can also make a healthy breakfast before heading onto the road including something simple like a smoothie or oatmeal.
Always Get Dot Inspections
These inspections are done by the US Department of Transportation and they ensure that the truck is in good working condition before you can take it out onto the road. Sometimes these tests are done by surprise for truck companies which means you always want to ensure your trucks and your drivers are in good condition.
The documents of the driver will also be inspected so make sure you have a valid commercial driver’s license and any other documents you need to be out on the road.
Practice Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means you are always aware of the road and the conditions of travel and you can react appropriately to ensure you do not get involved in an accident.
One of the best ways to practice defensive driving is to keep safe traveling distances. Keep in mind that trucks are heavier and therefore take longer to stop. So, you need to ensure there is plenty of space between you and the car in front of you in case you need to stop quickly.
You should also limit all distractions while driving. So, do not use your phone while driving, and always ensure that you are not texting or talking on the phone.
Wear Your Seatbelt
It might be self-explanatory to wear your seatbelt but you would be surprised how many truck drivers do not wear their belts while driving. This puts them at higher risk of getting seriously injured when they are involved in accidents.
If there are passengers in your truck, ensure they are also wearing their seatbelts.
Final Thoughts
Being in the trucking industry has many different risks that all drivers need to be aware of. They also need to ensure they are caring for their health and trying to stay active when not sitting. All trucks also need to pass their DOT inspections before they are allowed out on the road.