Truck driving is undoubtedly one of the most hazardous occupations in the US as well as in Canada, as per several studies. For the ones who belong to this trucking industry, this is not a piece of surprising news. Apart from driving accidents, truck drivers are highly exposed to risks and injuries related to equipment failure and ergonomic injuries. Long stretches of sedentary life put the truckers at a high risk of developing back injuries.
Once you identify these hazards, you can minimize the risk for long-term commercial drivers. Though a truck accident lawyer can help you with an accident, you can learn more here. Let’s check out the different hazards related to truck driving.
Injuries caused due to failure of equipment
Did you know that failure of vehicle equipment can put drivers at risk and can lead to 10% of accidents, as per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)? The trucking equipment that can fail before any accident is tires, brakes, underride bars, suspension, and steering. The only way to mitigate this risk is by engaging in regular preventative maintenance and making sure everything is fine before you start driving.
Driving accidents
Every year, nearly 2000 Canadians are killed in truck accidents and 10,000 are injured in such crashes. Huge trucks usually have a high fatality rate and this is even higher than other vehicles. Such statistics will make it easy to imply that both the drivers will be at risk if truckers and companies fail to address the safety of truckers. In order to prevent accidents, start off by completing a defensive driving course. Avoid distractions while driving and maintain a safe speed.
Ergonomic Injuries
When you drive a truck, you are basically sitting in the same posture for a long span of time. This sedentary posture puts truckers at risk of ergonomic injuries. Sitting for a long time puts pressure on the lower back portion and hence truck drivers are vulnerable to neck, back sprains, and back sprains. Sitting in the same posture can also lead to fatigue, which is also dangerous for truck drivers.
Lifestyle-related injuries and diseases
Compared to other jobs, truck drivers are vulnerable to developing chronic diseases and heart issues, and sometimes even cancer. Long-haul truck drivers are also more likely to get obese, which is again a reason behind health risks. They also suffer from sleep disorders like sleep apnea. There are several things that can be done in order to reduce such risks. You have to screen yourself on a regular basis to check whether or not you have developed any disease that is still not showing any symptoms. Commercial truck drivers should get a medical check-up every 2 years and keep monitoring their health.
Therefore, truck accidents becoming extremely common on US roads these days, so it is highly important to be watchful while driving a truck. Being educated on the injuries can make you aware of the solutions.