Many people perceive 18-wheelers as intimidating vehicles.
These massive trucks often drive frustratingly slow on inclines but quickly gain speed on descents, becoming dangerous forces capable of damaging smaller cars in an instant.
However, what is often overlooked is the toll that the trucking profession can take on drivers themselves.
“I want people to have more empathy for this job,” explains Mona Shattell, who has conducted multiple studies on the mental and physical health of long-haul truckers. “My research revealed just how challenging it really is.”
The Harsh Reality of Truck Driving
Truck driving is undoubtedly one of the toughest jobs. Long-haul truckers experience higher rates of obesity, diabetes, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular issues, divorce, and substance abuse than the average worker. Their rates of on-the-job fatalities are alarmingly 11 times higher than the national average, and the interplay between mental and physical health issues adds to their struggle.
Physical and Nutritional Challenges
Physically, sitting for prolonged periods—even in premium seats—can harm the body, leading to musculoskeletal issues. The constant vibrations from the truck can significantly impact the spine.
Along with physical stressors, nutrition is a major concern. “Their diets are poor,” notes Shattell, citing that truck stop food is notoriously unhealthy, and truckers lack time to search for healthier options. Exercise usually falls by the wayside due to their demanding schedules.
Resources for Improvement
Organizations like The Healthy Trucker are working to provide resources that teach easy workouts adaptable to small spaces and offer dietary advice. These initiatives aim to assist truckers in managing the challenges of their lifestyle and improving their relationships, especially given the 19.5% divorce rate among them.
The Impact of Isolation
Moreover, the inherent isolation of the job can be debilitating. While some truckers prefer solitude, long periods of loneliness adversely affect mental well-being. The lack of social interaction can lead to increased anxiety and depression, with suicide rates among truck drivers ranking among the highest nationwide.
Substance Use as Self-Medication
Given the scarcity of accessible medical and mental health resources, many truckers resort to drugs, alcohol, or sex work as coping mechanisms. Surprisingly, cannabis and crack are commonly used, with some drivers suggesting they feel more alert on crack than when sober.
Limited Solutions and Ongoing Challenges
Despite recent regulatory changes aimed at improving truckers’ lifestyles, including limits on driving hours and mandatory health checks, the day-to-day challenges remain largely unchanged. “People often have to rest when they aren’t tired and push through fatigue when they are,” Shattell mentions.
Improving their health is crucial not just for truckers but also crucial for the economy, as their well-being directly affects various aspects of society. Shattell expresses the urgent need for effective solutions to the many unmet needs of long-haul truckers.
The Keep on Truckin’ project seeks to highlight the history, current state, and future of the truck-driving industry in America, addressing its significance as a vital yet often overlooked component of the economy.
