Drivers, Its Time to Take Wellness Seriously

many big yellow trucks parked in line

Truck Drivers’ Wellness

There are some jobs that are well known for being dangerous. Construction workers, miners, firemen, and the like all work in fields that have reputations for severe health risks.

But did you know that truck driving also comes with some pretty serious health risks?

It is true. Truck drivers sometimes work under intense circumstances. There are long shifts at unconventional times of the day, stress that comes with navigating the American highway systems, and long periods of time sitting behind the wheel. Although you may not think about it, all of those conditions can add up and take a toll on your health.

Additionally, over fifty percent of truck drivers and operators are over the age of 45, and they become exponentially more prone to health issues as they continue to age. Truck driver’s wellness an important aspect of doing your job. But the majority of drivers are already experiencing health problems that they may not realize. 69% of drivers are obese, 54% smoke, and 88% have a major health risk factor (such as smoking, obesity, etc.) for chronic disease, according to a 2014 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration study. Drivers cannot deny that they are a relatively unhealthy demographic.

According to a Say Metrics survey for CCJ, thirty percent of drivers report that they believe that driving is taking an active toll on their health. It is time for truck drivers and trucking companies to take the health of their drivers seriously. Driver health is crucial to highway safety as well to their personal wellbeing.

How Truck Drivers Can Stay In Shape

So what can you do to stay in shape while working as a truck driver? How can trucking companies keep their staff healthy? There are a few methods that have worked for people in the transportation industry. Cooking your own meals is a big one. By cooking your own meals and packing home-prepared meals for the long rides, you take away the temptation of ordering fast food and damaging your health.

Additionally, more and more companies are encouraging their drivers to exercise between shifts and at rest stops. Some are even implementing workout facilities at rest locations across the country. It is also crucial to get proper sleep week in and week out. No matter which measures you and your company take in order to keep drivers’ wellness up, it is important that you recognize that the profession takes a toll on health and that you try to fix the problem.  j

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