Study Reveals Risks Faced by Truck Drivers
SALT LAKE CITY – According to research from the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (RMCOEH) at the University of Utah School of Medicine, truck drivers who often experience fatigue, use mobile phones while driving, or exhibit high pulse pressure may be more prone to accidents. This study was published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM).
Concerns About Truck Driver Safety
Matthew Thiese, Ph.D., the study’s lead author and an assistant professor at RMCOEH, emphasizes that the unique challenges of the trucking profession could increase risks. “Understanding the connections to crash risk can help reduce injuries in the future,” he notes.
The Dangers of Long-Haul Trucking
Long-haul truck driving is recognized as one of the most hazardous jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Each year, truck drivers are involved in about 250,000 accidents, with 1 to 2 percent resulting in fatalities. The study aimed to explore health and work-related factors contributing to this risk.
Research Methodology
The researchers conducted surveys with 797 truck drivers at truck shows and stops across six states: Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Nevada, Texas, and Utah. Participants underwent basic physical examinations and filled out questionnaires regarding their crash history, health indicators, working conditions, and lifestyle habits. After adjusting for various factors, the researchers identified key influences on crash histories, though future studies will need to confirm causation.
Health Indicators Linked to Crash Risk
Two major health concerns – elevated pulse pressure and fatigue – were significantly correlated with crash risk. High pulse pressure can indicate heart issues, and Thiese mentions that multiple factors common in trucking—like stress, long hours, and inadequate sleep—may exacerbate these health problems.
Impact of Mobile Phone Use
Similar to trends observed in the broader population, the study found a strong link between cell phone usage while driving and increased crash risk.
Need for Improved Health Management
The findings also pointed to deficiencies in health management among truck drivers. Nearly 24 percent of those with high blood pressure had previously gone undiagnosed, resulting in a lack of medical treatment. Additionally, 62 percent of participants were classified as obese, contrasting starkly with the 35 percent obesity rate reported for the general adult population by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Concluding Thoughts
Thiese expressed surprise at the high rate of uncontrolled hypertension among truck drivers, especially considering the biannual medical certifications required for the profession. This highlights ongoing health management issues that could jeopardize driver safety. Thiese, Hegmann, and their colleagues are now working on strategies to help truck drivers manage their health more effectively.
The study, titled “Factors Associated With Truck Crashes in Large Cross Section of Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers,” was published in JOEM and received support from a grant by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
