Many popular shows depict trucking as this fabulous lifestyle of eating on the road, living in their cozy truck and traveling through the scenic country – this is often far from true. The media often doesn’t focus on the many physical and emotional problems truckers face. Because of this, many people overlook just how difficult it is to be a trucker.
The stress that truckers put on can increase their chances of causing an accident. Here’s what you should know:
The dangers of isolation and stress
Trucking is often a solitary job – few truckers have the chance of working alongside someone. Some truckers are away from their family for weeks and may miss important events in their lives. The stress of hitting a deadline to pay for their next meal and the isolation from their job may cause many truckers to develop mental problems:
- Depression: a common feeling that disrupts a person’s eating, sleeping and bathing habits and may lead to suicidal thoughts.
- Anxiety: this may cause irritability, an increased sense of panic and reckless driving.
- Eating disorders: this could cause someone to overeat to the point of sickness or to starve themselves.
- Insomnia: this may make it hard for someone to sleep, stay asleep and feel rested afterward and lead to chronic illness and fatigue.
Because truckers often can’t afford therapy, medical treatment or regular doctor visits, they may increase their chances of falling down behind the wheel. When someone suffers from mental issues, they may start to neglect their body and develop physical health concerns:
- Obesity: truckers don’t often have time to exercise, and with an eating disorder, may develop obesity and heart disease.
- High blood pressure: this medical issue is often caused because truckers have to eat quick, high-carb meals on the road.
- Cancer: many truckers develop addiction problems by smoking regularly, additionally, many truckers drive in the sun for hours without skin protection, both of which can raise the chances of cancer.
Trucking isn’t just dangerous for the driver but everyone around them. A trucker may suddenly stop or drift between lanes because of their health issues. If you were recently in an accident with a truck, you may need to know your options.
