Health concerns have been the front and center subject between truckers lately and with good reason. Trucker health is at the top of the agenda at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. They are very concerned about driver’s health. Especially with the rise in diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea in drivers.
The average trucker is pretty much sedentary and exposed to many problems inherent in the industry. Some of these can be corrected by lifestyle change and some by work style change. This should be of concern to not only every trucker but their families as well.
Sleep apnea is a major concern, and drivers are exposed to DPM, a health threat in many industries including trucking. DPM is a health threat to drivers because of their work time and close proximity to diesel fumes. Truck drivers breathe about 35% of all their air (working and non-working) in the occupational environment, meaning close proximity to operating diesel engines. Diesel is a known carcinogenic.
When you couple this to the fact that the smoking rate among long haul drivers is 67% versus 20% for the average American public it’s easy to see why there is a problem. This is a deadly combination and it is no wonder the average mortality rate amongst truck drivers is 10 to 15 years less than the average American worker.
Trucking companies are starting to sit up and take notice. The Center for Disease Control and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health are currently doing a studying why the death rate in truckers is eleven times higher than the general workforce. Heart disease in truckers is 30% higher than the national average. Health risks are also complicated by occupational conditions that motivate truckers to drive long hours, often using substances to stay alert or to relax. Truck driving is well known as one of the most dangerous jobs in America.
About half of all fatal work injuries occurred among workers who drive or move material around for a living. Truck drivers are definitely part of this group. Truckers account for the highest number of highway fatalities and many of us don’t even bother to strap on our seatbelts — too tough to get it over our guts, another testament to the truckers expanding girth. Drivers, especially company drivers, are subjected to long hours, up to 70 hour work weeks, after which you take a 34 hour break. Most drivers will tell you that most of their break time is spent getting ready to go back out on the road.
So what is a driver to do? Seems like if you are a trucker the odds are definitely against you and just to make a living it seems your’re putting your life on the line every day. Throw in some road rage (I know we’ve all seen it) and another deadly combination occurs. How many of us truckers have been cut off only to have the four wheeler signal their IQ in that wonderful of highway hand signals we call the finger. We not only have to watch our own driving but watch out for the motoring public who have no concern for themselves and other motorists.
With all these strikes against us it’s up to each and every one of us to take control of our own fate. The government can only make the rules but we as drivers hold total control over our trucks and our lives.
So what is the answer?
Let’s get real. Here are some of my observations since becoming a trucker. I haven’t been to the doctor once, not even for a general physical except for my DOT physical which in my opinion is a joke. I have not had my teeth cleaned in over a year. I don’t have the time. When I set a dental appointment I always seem to miss it. It has been difficult. Gum disease runs in my family and I face the prospect of losing all of my teeth if I don’t do something soon.
As far as exercise goes I haven’t had any except for the honey do lists I get when I’m home. My days off consist of catching up on things that are falling apart at home and getting ready to go back out on the road. When I’m driving and being in the seat for 11 hours and on duty for 14 hours the only thing I want to do is hop in the sleeper and go to sleep. Sitting and sleeping constantly is not a good mix for general health and well being.
I used to get blood tests for cholesterol once a year. Doctors are not open on Saturday and Sunday so I haven’t been. I am sure many drivers have just given up trying to take care of their health. I look around the trucking industry and not too many people look happy, nor do they look healthy. I say to myself, “Is this my future”? I say NO! I refuse to accept that. When I look at other truck drivers, well, quite honestly they look like the traveling homeless.
I told my wife the other day that after being home 2 days every two weeks I feel like I am only visiting when I am there. I barely get a chance to catch my breath before I am back out and in the seat again.
This industry must take a good hard look at itself and figure out what can be done to improve the lives of the trucker. The problem is that companies usually never get to see the employees that work for them so everyone’s a number to them. When I call in I feel live a robot. “Here’s my number, where do I go sir?” It’s very impersonal and very depressing. Negativity resounds in the business. It’s very hard to get a smile out of anyone.
Don’t get me wrong there are people who love this life, but for me I need something more. I need roots and a home life. I also need to take control of my own life, my health, and safety. No one else will do it and to be quite honest we all know what happens when the government tries to do it.
So to all my fellow drivers out there, it’s up to us to take control. Care for yourself and get to a doctor. Be safe on the road. Get plenty of exercise and fresh air. Only you can do it. Slow down to take a look. Take a break when you get fatigued. Watch your diet. It will take some effort but just remember your family depends on you. YOU CAN DO IT!
And to Today’s American Trucker I say, God Bless and stay safe out on America’s great highways!
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