The State of the Trucking Industry
Truck drivers have one of the most dangerous jobs in America – accounting for fully 17% of U.S. work related deaths and the majority of highway fatalities. 30-40% of heavy truck accidents are caused by fatigue. Here are some facts about the industry that many people are not aware of, or choose to ignore...we, however, cannot!
75% of driver deaths are due to blood pressure and heart related diseases and only 25% of drivers survive when a heart attack occurs on the road. Source: Layover.com
More than one in four (28%) of truck drivers suffer from sleep apnea (compared to 4% of the general population).
"It takes a while to undo years and years of unhealthy behavior. But I think companies are having to look at this because of the skyrocketing health care costs and worker compensation costs." Christie Cullinan – American Trucking Association
50% of truckers smoke (compared to 25% of the general population) and many do not wear seat belts because their stomachs get in the way (50% of drivers killed in 2004 crashes were not wearing seat belts – TRB 2005).
"They can’t say, ‘You can’t be obese’ and they can’t force you to stop smoking. The government shouldn’t regulate that. But we’ve been trying to educate people to the linkage between being a healthy person and a safe driver." Gerald P. Kreuger – Psychologist, Transportation research Board
The DOT (Dept. of Transportation) has updated the acceptable blood pressure guidelines to 140/90, or lower, from 160/90. The medical review board of the Federal Motor Safety Association (FMSCA) will discuss updating those guidelines, but any changes are at least a year away.
FMSCA statistics also show that a trucker driver’s lifespan is 5-10 years less than the average American’s.
In a 2001 survey, the OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Driver Assoc) found that 87% of drivers surveyed were either overweight or obese compared to 60% of the general population.
In order to maintain their licenses, drivers must pass a physical every two years. Commercial drivers with severe high blood pressure or severe heart conditions can lose their licenses, but other health issues like weight and smoking aren't regulated.
Join the The LHN Trucker Ambassador Program today! Help you and your fellow long haul truckers get and stay healthy!
