Truck drivers have a dangerous job. In fact, truck drivers are routinely listed as having one of the top ten most dangerous jobs in the U.S., with hundreds of truck drivers losing their lives on the roads across the country each year. However, it is not just truck accidents in Homestead and other cities that make this such a dangerous job. Truck drivers are also subject to a number of health issues because of their work. These health issues can end up costing lives and can also lead to truck and car accidents in Homestead and other communities. In fact, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), about 10% of fatal truck accidents between 1987 and 1992 were attributed in large part to a driver’s health condition.
Commercial truck drivers must undergo a physical every two years according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. These check-ups are intended to note any health concerns that could make drivers dangerous on the roads. However, safety experts note that there are problems with the system. Not all doctors, for example, are aware of the risks that truck drivers face, so they do not always check for some common health problems. In addition, some truck drivers shop around for doctors who are willing to give a clean bill of health, since losing time away from work can mean income lost. Finally, some safety experts feel that tests every two years are not frequent enough to catch serious health conditions.
There are a number of reasons why truck drivers may be more likely to suffer serious health concerns:
1) They face serious stress. The stress of sitting in a truck all day, dealing with heavy traffic and tight deadlines, can have a serious effect on cardiac health.
2) They have a sedentary work lifestyle. Truck drivers spend a lot of their work day sitting down, and many studies have shown that sitting down for long work hours can increase the chances of fatal illness, including heart problems. Due to long hours, some drivers may have a hard time finding time to exercise.
3) They face the dangers of shift work. Many studies have suggested that workers who work in shifts are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders, cardiac issues, and other health concerns. Part of the problem seems to be that the body has a hard time adjusting to different sleep patterns.
4) They may have a difficult time eating healthy on the road. Truck drivers often face tight deadlines and long drives, so they may need to eat on the road. Since they have little time to eat and since commercial trucks may not fit in all parking lots, many truck drivers may be tempted to eat fast food, which is easy, fast, convenient, and inexpensive. Unfortunately, eating this food – combined with a sedentary life – can lead to obesity, which in turn can lead to diabetes, cardiac problems, stroke, cancer, and many other serious illnesses. These illnesses, in turn, can inadvertently lead to traffic collisions in Homestead and other communities.
Have you been injured by a truck driver you think may have been negligent? You may have a legal claim under Florida law. To discuss your situation with a personal injury attorney, schedule a free, no obligation consultation with Flaxman Law Group today.