Driver safety and declining health is a serious crisis within the truck (CDL) driving industry.
In terms of safety, for any number of factors and reasons, driver safety is continually compromised by trucking companies as they place pressure on drivers to violate federal rules.
In terms of health, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that long-haul truck drivers are twice as likely to be obese compared to the adult working population, as well as more likely to smoke and suffer from other risk factors for chronic disease such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes.
The good news is that there are things that can be done which can eliminate unnecessary risk to safety and improve health and quality of life of drivers, and it begins with both companies and drivers taking personal responsibility.
Drivers lives matter. They deserve a healthy life to be enjoyed and celebrated with family and friends, and deserve respect in a safety first mindset. Only through awareness and being committed together can the current culture that exists change for the better to reward health, wellness, safety over profit and the devaluing of human life - ultimately costing so much more on many levels than any potential financial savings. Together, we can support a healthier environment and foster this culture of wellness within the industry that benefits us all - from owners benefitting from retention, risk and lower costs to drivers benefitting from improved health and safety to the safety for all who share the road with us.
Enjoy the resources offered below, and hey, send us an e-mail if you have anything that supports this cause that we can include, as well as letting us know how it goes for you in committing to health, wellness and safety! Together - we create the change we desire to see for this change to be.