Health Risks of Long-Haul Trucking: A First-Hand Account

Long-haul trucking
is a critical but often overlooked profession, filled with unique occupational risks. As a truck driver, I've experienced firsthand the health challenges that come with extended hours on the road. From blood clots to anxiety, here are the risks that have impacted my career and health.

Introducing the Risks

According to my doctor, it is essential for me to take frequent breaks to walk around my truck trailer. The primary concern is the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that can cause life-threatening blood clots in the legs. Sitting for 11 hours a day, without adequate movement, is extremely detrimental to blood flow.

Documented Health Issues

Herniated L4/L5 disc - 1999: Constant sitting and bouncing led to a herniated disc. High blood pressure: 176/126 as of March of this year. Extremely high stress levels: As of March of this year. Severe anxiety: Also documented in March of this year. Venous insufficiency: Causing blood pooling in the left leg from prolonged sitting, circa 2020. An astonishingly high level of cholesterol: As of March of this year. Moderate to severe obesity: With a body mass index (BMI) of 510" 272 as of March of this year.

Changes Upon Retirement

Significant health improvements were observed following my retirement. These included:

No further back problems. Normal blood pressure: 132/76. Much lower stress and anxiety levels. Normal circulation. Cholesterol levels now within the acceptable range. A significant weight loss of 47 pounds.

Personal Experiences and Safety Concerns

Despite these health improvements, the profession still poses substantial safety risks. Personally, I faced several situations where I felt unsafe:

Urban truck stops: In these locations, drivers are often targets for theft or assault due to carrying large sums of cash. I continuously had to be vigilant and keep an eye on my surroundings. The space between the tractor and trailer: This area is a prime hiding spot, and awareness is crucial to avoid potential dangers. A team member's experience: One of my colleagues, named Jerry, faced a physical confrontation at a Petro truckstop outside of Chicago. Despite his imposing size, Jerry managed to incapacitate the assailant, though the aftermath was unclear.

Conclusion

The health and safety concerns associated with long-haul trucking are substantial and cannot be ignored. Frequent breaks, regular medical check-ups, and consistent health monitoring are crucial for truck drivers to minimize the risk of long-term health issues and ensure their well-being.