Truck drivers are exposed to a range of hazards on the job. The long hours they spend on the road and lack of rest periods can cause fatigue and injuries. They are also susceptible to accidents, especially when lifting heavy containers or boxes. Injuries can also happen as a result of slips and falls and driving over the speed limit.
Accidents involving trucks are more likely to result in serious or fatal injuries than accidents involving cars. Truck driving is a riskier profession than most people realize. Unfortunately, trucking companies are notoriously negligent when it comes to safety. The massive size and bulk of delivery trucks pose significant risks.
Stress is another common hazard that truck drivers face. Overwork can cause drivers to be fatigued and fall asleep behind the wheel. Additionally, some truck drivers may drink or use prescription medications to manage their stress.
What is the Most Dangerous Trucking Job?
Trucking is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, with more truckers dying in accidents each year than in any other occupation. Many employers are cutting corners when it comes to safety, which means that vehicles aren’t always maintained properly and drivers are often pushed to the limit.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics recently confirmed that truck driving is the deadliest job in the country. The agency released a report on December 17 that shows that truck drivers accounted for a staggering 831 deaths in 2018 compared to only four other broad occupational groups. Truck drivers also ranked at the top of the list for fatalities among independent workers in 2018.
The number of deaths in truck driving has increased over the years, making it one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. In 2016, there were more than 2,000 truck driver fatalities, which is the highest per 100,000 workers in any occupation. However, there have been some recent reductions in the number of truck driver fatalities.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Truck Driver?
Truck drivers are at risk for health issues, which can shorten their life span. According to one survey, 69 percent of them are obese and 17 percent are morbidly obese. Health conditions that can be treated early can extend a driver’s life. Poor health can affect their ability to work and to earn a living.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, truck drivers have a lower life expectancy than the average population. However, the causes of this shorter lifespan are not yet clear. Many factors are involved, including the health risks posed by long hours on the road. In addition to being more exposed to a variety of health risks, truck drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents and suffer from premature death.
Although the life expectancy of a truck driver is slightly lower than the life expectancy of other workers, many still work beyond their retirement age. On average, truck drivers live to be 61 years old, although 10% of active truck drivers live to be over 65.
How Often Do Truckers Crash?
Every year, roughly 400,000 truckers are involved in crashes, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). While most motorists will not see a truck crash, truck drivers are more likely to be in an accident than other drivers. In the US, truckers account for nearly half of the crashes that result in serious injuries or death.
Many accidents involving truckers involve driver fatigue. Truckers often get less than five hours of sleep, which results in impaired judgment and fatigue. Twenty-four hours awake without sleep is equivalent to 0.010 percent blood alcohol content, so fatigued drivers are at a greater risk of crash.
The most common time of day for truck accidents is midday, when traffic is at its highest. During the daytime, drivers should pay special attention to the road, and avoid eating or talking on their cell phone while driving. They should also give trucks enough space to pass.
How Many Truckers are Killed Each Year?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 843 truck drivers died on the job in 2019. That number is significantly higher than the rate for other occupations. In fact, truck drivers are responsible for one of every seven workplace fatalities. By comparison, workers in the construction industry and loggers have far lower fatality rates than truck drivers. Despite these statistics, there are steps that drivers and employers can take to make their workplaces safer.
Fortunately, truck crashes are rarer than car crashes, but they can still be devastating. Large trucks are much heavier and larger than passenger cars and can cause a great deal of damage. In 2016, over 4,000 people were killed in accidents involving large trucks. About half of the victims in these crashes were passengers in passenger vehicles. Because truckers have so much weight and a higher ground clearance, the damage a truck causes can be devastating to anyone riding in the passenger car.
Truck drivers also face a high risk of developing mental health problems. The stress of long-haul driving can cause depression. In fact, one in four truckers suffers from depression. And most trucking companies do little to help their drivers cope with the stress of driving for long periods of time. This can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms and fatal accidents.
What Dangers Do Truck Drivers Face?
Many people do not think about the dangers that truck drivers face every day on the road. However, they should be aware of these risks when they are driving and should take precautions to avoid them. Drivers must always be vigilant and watch out for other vehicles and pedestrians. They should also slow down and use their turn signals at all times.
Trucks often carry hazardous materials, including radioactive materials, which require special protective gear. Another danger is carbon monoxide poisoning. Proper ventilation and truck maintenance can help reduce this risk. Drivers are also at risk for theft and personal assaults. The trucking industry is concerned about the risks and is taking steps to protect its drivers.
In addition to road hazards, truck drivers also have to deal with bad weather. Heavy rain and snow can make driving hazardous and may distract truck drivers. The biggest danger in the winter is ice. Ice, especially black ice, can be difficult to detect, and truck drivers should pay attention to weather reports.
Is Truck Driving a Good Career?
The reasons for becoming a truck driver are as diverse as the drivers themselves. Some are personal, others are financial. Others are nostalgic, and some even feel desperation. Whatever your reason, the most important thing is that you understand what you are getting yourself into. Drivers come from all walks of life, but the barriers to entry are similar across gender and age groups.
One reason to consider this profession is the autonomy and independence. Professional truck drivers do not report to a desk and are often self-employed. This means that they have a lot of control over their work. In fact, many say that this is one of their favorite things about the job. In addition to this, truck drivers are paid to travel.
For travelers, truck driving may be a perfect career. Truck drivers travel long distances and visit various cities across the country. They are also often allowed to choose their own routes, with the guidance of their contractor. These jobs are not as physically demanding as some people may think, and they can enjoy the scenic vistas of their assigned regions. Moreover, truck drivers are also required to be able to adapt to any environment.
How Much Do Truck Drivers Make?
The salary of truck drivers varies greatly depending on the type of trucking they do. While most truck drivers work for companies, there are many other options. Some choose to be owner operators and decide their own routes and load requirements. Owner operators often make the highest salaries of all truckers. Some have started with just one truck and built up into massive corporations.
A truck driver’s salary depends on several factors, including the route they travel, the company they drive for, and how long they work. Drivers who drive longer distances earn more money. They can also earn bonuses for reaching certain mileage milestones. Drivers with a lot of experience may also make more money.
The amount a truck driver makes also depends on the state where they live. According to the BLS, the highest paying states for truckers are in the West. However, this is not true for all states. Drivers in Hawaii and Alaska make slightly more than the national average.
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