Commercial truck driving is a demanding job that requires physical stamina, alertness, and quick reflexes to operate large vehicles safely on the road. In Alabama, truck drivers spend long hours traveling on highways and rural roads, delivering goods across the state and beyond. Their health and wellbeing have a direct impact on everyone else sharing Alabama’s roadways.
Fatigue is a Major Risk Factor
Drowsy driving is a serious issue for truckers in Alabama and nationwide. Truck drivers are especially susceptible to fatigue from irregular sleep schedules, long work hours, and being away from home for extended periods. Driving while fatigued slows reaction times, decreases awareness, and impairs judgment in ways similar to alcohol impairment.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations to limit driver fatigue, such as hours of service limits of 11 hours driving in a 14 hour period. However, surveys show many long-haul truckers still drive beyond these limits to meet delivery schedules, putting themselves and other motorists in danger. Fatigued truckers are more likely to be involved in serious accidents.
Health Conditions Can Affect Driving Ability
Commercial truck drivers must adhere to higher medical and physical standards to qualify for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Alabama. However, health issues can develop over time that impact driving safety. These include:
- Sleep apnea – Disorder that causes impaired breathing and frequent waking during sleep cycles. Contributes to daytime fatigue.
- Heart disease – Can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting behind the wheel.
- Diabetes – Causes episodes of low blood sugar that lead to confusion, blurred vision, or loss of consciousness if undetected.
- Obesity – Excess weight strains the cardiovascular system and contributes to sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes.
- Arthritis – Causes joint pain and stiffness that can reduce mobility and increase distraction.
- Vision problems – Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or deteriorating vision make it difficult to see road hazards.
- Hearing loss – Reduces ability to hear sirens, horns, or other auditory warnings.
- High blood pressure – Increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other emergencies if uncontrolled.
Truckers with an existing medical condition or symptoms need ongoing care to keep their CDL status. But surveys indicate that many truck drivers forego medical visits due to lack of insurance, high costs, or time constraints.
Alabama’s Large Senior Trucker Population Faces More Health Risks
Almost 1 in 5 truck drivers on US roadways are over the age of 55, according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data. As truckers age, they are more prone to developing chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Older drivers also experience more hearing and vision loss that can impact driving abilities.
With an older average age than the general working population, Alabama’s senior truckers need proactive monitoring and preventative care to remain healthy and qualified for driving duties. But some resist going to the doctor due to incorrect assumptions that they will automatically lose their CDL at a certain age. In fact, experienced veteran drivers can remain safe operators if their health conditions are well-managed.
Trucker Obesity Creates Safety Risks
Consistent lack of exercise and eating on the road contributes to high obesity rates among truck drivers. Trucker obesity rose dramatically from 55% in 1990 to 69% in 2014, according to a study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Carrying excess weight puts truck drivers at greater risk for sleep apnea, heart disease, diabetes, injury, and certain cancers. It also causes daytime sleepiness, shortness of breath, and reduced stamina, which jeopardizes safe vehicle operation.
Building more healthy habits into the trucking lifestyle is essential to reducing obesity’s dangers. Trucking companies can provide healthier food options at truck stops, while drivers must find time for physical activity and proper sleep.
Improving Trucker Health is Crucial for Road Safety
The trucking industry and individual drivers can take measures to prioritize health:
Receive Preventative Care
Truckers should maintain CDL medical certification with regular checkups to monitor emerging health issues before they become severe. Many trucking companies now offer health insurance to make routine care more accessible.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Drivers should aim for diet and exercise habits that reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and injury. Companies can provide healthy food options at truck stops and equip terminals with exercise facilities.
Address Sleep Issues
Drivers should consult doctors about sleep problems to determine if conditions like sleep apnea are impacting rest quality. Treatments like CPAP machines can restore healthy sleep. Companies can provide parking at night terminals to allow split sleeping schedules.
Reduce Stress
Long hours and time away from home causes immense stress for truck drivers. Companies should try to build regular home time into routes. Drivers can manage stress with healthy coping strategies, like talking to other truckers, journaling, or breathing exercises.
Get Regular Hearing and Vision Checks
Since hearing and vision changes are gradual, truckers may not notice deterioration until it begins affecting driving abilities. Regular hearing and vision exams can detect issues early.
Be Honest with Licensing Examiners
Truckers need to disclose any medical conditions or symptoms to prevent driving with an undetected health risk. But there are often ways to remain licensed with proper treatment.
The Alabama trucking community, including drivers, motor carriers, regulators, and health providers must work together to make driver health a top priority. Doing so will help reduce fatigue-related crashes, medical emergencies behind the wheel, and other preventable incidents that claim too many lives on Alabama’s roads each year.
Contact Us for a Free Legal Consultation
Monge & Associates operates 32 offices in 19 states, including locations in Alabama, Florida, and Colorado. Our truck accident attorneys have decades of experience handling injury claims resulting from commercial motor vehicle crashes. We work on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs, so you pay nothing unless we obtain compensation for your claim.
Contact us anytime at (888) 477-0597 for a free case evaluation from a qualified attorney. Our legal team is standing by to help trucking accident victims get justice after their crash.