An increasing amount of reports are being released documenting the link between road safety and the health of truck drivers.With the long hauls, unhealthy food available at trucks, and general sedentary nature of the job it is no wonder that truckers face health issues like high blood pressure, insomnia, high blood pressure, and poor vision.
The Law
Commercial vehicle operators are required to undergo physical exams and receive clearance from doctors.They must also carry they health certificates with them while out on the road.This certificate verifies that they have received an examination and are medically fit to drive large trucks.They must include the date of the exam, the examiner's name, license number, phone number, and the certification expiration date.As it stands, there is currently little or no control method in the United States for verifying medical records for truckers.This encourages truckers to falsify these documents, undermining the attempt to monitor health and promote safety.
Unhealthy Drivers
Nearly 75% of truckers are over the age of 55, an age group that already faces increased health risks.There are federal limits on the number of hours a commercial vehicles operator can drive, however years of long-hauling can take their toll on the circulatory system.High blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke.If this were to occur while a driver is operating their vehicle, the results could be fatal not only for them, but people in cars around them.
Diabetes is another health concern that plagues truckers in particular.Spending long hours on the road can be tiring and leave little room for exercise.Also, truck stops that many drivers frequent tend to offer foods high in grease and fat.Those who suffer from diabetes are 68% more likely to be involved in automobile accident.This disease could lead to the loss of sight, or result in the amputation of a limb.
A Solution
In Ontario a program has been started to try to catch truckers' developing poor health conditions before it becomes a serious health issue to themselves and safety concern to other drivers on the road.The program sets up a free clinic at a highly frequented truck stop once a month.At the clinic, truckers can get health checks to spot for high blood pressure or diabetes.If caught early enough, the two can be treated with better diets and exercise, avoiding the need to costly medication.This particular truck stop has furthered its commitment to its patron by installing a workout room and serving more fruits and cold plates.
For more information on truckers' health and how it affects their driving, visit the Texas truck accident lawyers of Williams Kherkher at www.truckaccident-lawyers.com.
Joseph Devine
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