Challenges Faced by Truckers in India

A recent study indicates that truck drivers in India are grappling with sleep deprivation as they travel across the country. The research, conducted over a month by Kantar IMRB in partnership with Castrol India, highlights that 23% of truckers experience significant sleep issues while on the road.

The survey, which involved 1,000 truck drivers, revealed that approximately 25% of them get only 2 hours or less of sleep daily during their assignments, while 35% manage to sleep just 2 to 4 hours a day.

Furthermore, the findings show that 81% of drivers take their naps inside their trucks, while 10% choose to rest by the roadside. Additionally, around 53% of the truckers reported facing various driving-related health challenges, including both physical and mental stress.

Long working hours, extended periods away from home, and harsh driving conditions were identified as significant factors affecting their overall health and wellness. The study emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining both mental and physical fitness within the trucking sector.

Despite this, 62% of the drivers had not undergone any medical checkups in the last year. Other stressors include navigating through poor road conditions, finding new routes, and ensuring timely delivery of their cargo, all contributing to their mental strain.

Moreover, frequent vehicle breakdowns—including tyre punctures, battery failures, and engine trouble—further escalate their stress levels, according to the study’s findings.

When it comes to priorities, 32% of respondents stated that money is the most crucial aspect of life, while another 32% chose family. Only 14% placed health as their top priority, as indicated by the study titled ‘Driving the Economy: Health & Well-being of Truck Drivers.’