When pondering hazardous occupations, truck driving might not instantly spring to mind. Nevertheless, the transportation industry contends with a substantial rate of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. This profession is inherently perilous for various reasons.
Truck drivers spend the majority of their workdays behind the wheel. When you’re navigating the open road for 8 to 10 hours daily, encounters with danger become almost inevitable. Some may be near-miss incidents, while others escalate into full-blown truck accidents that result in grave injuries and, tragically, fatalities.
Semi-trucks, behemoths weighing up to 80,000 pounds and stretching dozens of feet, have the potential to inflict significant harm upon smaller passenger vehicles. The responsibility that truck drivers shoulder on the road is immense, given the numerous safety concerns they must contend with daily.
Here, we explore some of the hazards they encounter regularly:
1. Road Hazards
Truck drivers confront a myriad of road hazards during their journeys. Debris strewn across the roadway from accidents, severe weather, or other incidents poses a constant threat. Careless drivers and pedestrians flouting traffic laws can necessitate evasive maneuvers.
Challenges also emerge from the roads themselves. Steep inclines and declines demand well-functioning equipment for safe traversal.
Extreme weather conditions further compound these challenges. Ice, snowstorms, rain, strong winds, and fog can impair visibility and road conditions, making control of the massive vehicles exceedingly difficult. Ice, rain, and snow can lead to skids and loss of control.
2. Stress
Truck driving is an inherently stressful occupation. Drivers grapple with stress as they navigate traffic, face potential delays jeopardizing delivery schedules, contend with fellow motorists, and make impromptu route adjustments to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. All of this occurs while operating these colossal vehicles.
Personal factors also contribute to stress, including sleep deprivation, extended hours on the road, and separation from loved ones. The solitude truck drivers often experience during long journeys can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
3. Health Issues
Truck drivers contend with an elevated risk of health issues due to their lifestyle. Nutritional habits tend to be suboptimal, and many drivers engage in cargo lifting, exposing themselves to ailments like arthritis, joint pain, and back, neck, and shoulder injuries.
Prolonged periods of sitting have detrimental effects on health as well. This sedentary lifestyle can result in a slower metabolic rate, leading to weight gain and, potentially, obesity. These factors increase the risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Seek Legal Assistance
Despite the illusion of protection afforded by their massive vehicles, truck driving remains a dangerous profession, with potential consequences not only for the drivers but also for others on the road.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, the Manhattan truck accident attorneys at Pottroff & Karlin, LLC are here to assist you. We can guide you through the investigation process and ensure you receive the necessary medical care. Schedule a free consultation with our office today by calling (785) 539-4656 or completing our online form. Your well-being and legal rights are our top priorities.
