The Herculean task of long-haul trucking befalls drivers, with the physical and mental taxation on their bodies and minds in having to steer valuable cargo for thousands of miles in a given ride. Along with this comes the disruption of their family lives extending this load to many more lives, many times over. We have taken the time to write this article with the intention to shed some light and further insight in to this topic. We hope we can do justice as it is of utmost significance. It’s a code Red.
When one considers trucking and the baggage which comes with, it belies conventional thinking as trucking is classified as one of the highest-risk occupations in the United States. As the occupational stress comes with is even greater for long-haul truck drivers who are away from home as they are away from their family, friends, and others who act as their support networks. Who could strive in loneliness, especially for several days or weeks at a time?
A recent study done on the occupational stressors and the mental health of commercial truck drivers show that they face many occupational stressors including constant time pressures, social isolation, disrespectful treatment by others, driving in hazardous conditions such as weather changes, traffic, and road conditions, and violence and the fear of violence. Hence the constant engagement and presence of such stressors play a significant role in the pervasiveness of hazardous behaviors by truck drivers. This is a factor, not surprisingly leads to drug abuse and solicitation of sex. Therefore, mental health promotion and treatment for truckers is an important area of concern and must be examined within the broader context of the transportation environment.
Demands of the Job – Pushing the Drivers to the Edge
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there are more than 3 million truck drivers who are employed in the commercial transportation and material moving occupations, one of the largest workforce segments in the United States. It also goes on to say that the drivers in this large and growing job segment are at high risk for a range of work induced health conditions. This includes mental health and psychiatric disorders due to high work-related stress, low access and use of health care and limited social support.
The trucking occupation places drivers at high risk for poor health outcomes. A recent study reported on long-haul drivers with over 5 years of experience, and who spent over 17 days on the road per month. In this study even though 75% described their health as good, surprisingly the results were that 83.4% were overweight/obese, 57.9% had sleeping disturbances, 56.3% experiencing fatigue, 42.3% had musculoskeletal disorders, and about 40% were diagnosed with cardiovascular disease concerns. What was worse in their plight is that about 33% had no health insurance, 70% had no regular healthcare visits, 24.4% could not afford insurance, and 42.1% took over-the-counter drugs when sick, while 20.1% waited to reach home for medical care. Exercise facilities were unavailable in over 70% of trucking worksites and 70% of drivers did not exercise regularly. All these numbers add up, and indeed disturbing to see. What is even worse is that this compounds on the psychological aspects for drivers which in turn leads to issues like depression.
In terms of physical challenges, sitting upright for 12 hours a day is totally ruthless on the human body. Due to this truck drivers are exceedingly predisposed to have musculoskeletal issues, back problems, neck problems, and knee problems in addition to the vibration of the truck is dreadful on the spinal system.
A compounding factor to this is the average truck driver’s eating habits that are an even larger fear, as the driver must resort to food usually at truck stops. Food at truck stops is disgracefully appalling to the body, greasy and usually junk food. With the tight schedules pressured on to do delivery on time truckers don’t have the time to leave the highway in search of healthier food—if it is available in close proximity. Exercise is non-existent in a truck drivers’ regime. There basically isn’t enough time, and at the end of the day, truckers are beat. It isn’t coincidence that truckers continue to have the highest prevalence of obesity of any occupational group, averaging around 240 pounds. Another detrimental component to examine is the physical isolation, part of the job, can also be harrowing in its nature. Even though truckers can communicate by phone and CB radio, this kind of isolation is not an agreeable circumstance for anyone of us. In addition to this one of the most challenging pieces of the puzzle seems to be the regulatory environment.
Even though, many of them understand the purpose of these regulations, with safety being the primary intent behind most of the regulations. However, the drivers feel that the reality is very different, they often feel stress-related burdens regarding their pay, eligibility to drive, and being told how to do their job.
Accidents, Suicides, Divorces, PTSD and Drug Abuse
The constant disruption of family life, with long trips away from the family for days and weeks, consistently indeed puts a strain on truck driver’s marriages. A recent statistic showed that the national divorce rate is 3.6 percent, but however, among truckers the rate is 19.5 percent or even more. This could definitely contribute to the already negative spiral leaving the trucker in a sorrier state than before, of course compounded.
In lieu of a recent study done by Ms. Mona Shatell about commercial truck drivers shows that she “found a lot of loneliness, anxiety, [illegal] substance use, and unsafe sex.”
She also mentions that “Depression is a big problem and if untreated it can get worse.” It’s true, drugs, alcohol, and sex work patronage are all often used as self-treatment options, given the lack of easily found medical and mental health assistance. But the types of drugs preferred by truckers might come as a bit of a surprise. The logical choice would be amphetamines, like speed, which enhance a driver’s ability to stay awake and focused on driving. According to Ms. Shatell “thought it would be more of that, but it was a lot of cannabis—pot—and crack.” She went on to say how “Two drivers actually said that they drive better when they're on crack than without, because they're more aware of their environment. How scary is that?”
Drug is a comfort tool and an alternative, which is quicker and much more accessible than proper therapy and care.
In a study according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, truck driver suicide rates are among the top five professions in the country and of course they're related to the mental health and physical health of truck drivers.
Suicide by truck, where someone jumps in front of a semi-truck to end its life, is all together another ball game leaving added pressure and putting truckers in constant state of fear, as they find themselves being used as a method for someone attempting suicide. A reality encountered by many truck drivers, who have been through such traumatic events such as suicide by truck are prime candidates for developing post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD)
There are three clusters of symptoms indicating PTSD; The first group includes suffering from nightmares, flashbacks or obtrusive thoughts. Patients feel they are reliving the moment of the trauma. They also replay the scenario over and over again wondering what they could have done differently. A second group of symptoms indicate avoidance; sufferers may avoid driving and driving related noises. They may also become more vigilant about the driving safety of family members. The third symptomatic behavior is hyper arousal, in which state sufferers feel they are constantly on red alert. Hyper arousal sufferers are generally more irritable, more easily distracted, and impatient and tend to develop a sensitive startle response.
At one time or another, we’ve all been in situations where we thought we could have altered an outcome if we had just done things a little differently. This sense of regret and in times self-loathing leads to a disturbed mental state. The mind is a complex thing and a mere few words wouldn’t do it justice in understanding it. We all need help if we admit it or not.
What should companies do about this?
Prevention is better than cure said some sage and this still holds true to this day and will till to the end of time. With that in mind companies who have truckers in their employment should prioritize their wellbeing. Since recent statistics pulled from the American Trucking Associations show turnover rates in trucking were in excess of 90 percent last year, and with the projected growth of demand on drivers, the industry is going to experience a painful shortage in the upcoming years. The number of truck drivers leaving the industry is skyrocketing, and new drivers are not there to backfill the void. So, driver retention in business sense alone should make sense, also as humans it is their moral and civic duty to do so.
We have listed out few remedial methods and actions to be taken by companies to minimize and aid in this confrontation with occupational stressors in trucking below. This is just our opinion:
- Organizations need to facilitate and encourage exercise – This could be done by providing additional time during the long-haul trips to compensate for such time. In addition, they could promote classes to teach truckers workouts that are easy to do in small spaces, especially including stretches to alleviate neck and back pain.
- A company policy that allows co-pilots such as friends, spouses, or even pets whenever possible could improve mental health and keep spirits up, especially on long-haul trips. Social isolation can significantly contribute to truck driver mental health issues. Solitude for hours on end eliminates meaningful relationships and can take a toll on mental health. So, companies should permit to have a co-pilot if not even go the extent of providing one. Thus, they can actively engage and keep a truck driver’s spirits up and help prevent loneliness. Having a passenger in the truck can alleviate stress and provide a support system for both workers.
- Enforce sleep apnea screening tests among your drivers - Undiagnosed sleep problems can contribute to mental health issues by causing fatigue, stress, and anxiety. Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders among truckers. Around 28% of commercial truck driverssuffer from sleep apnea. This is a breathing disorder that can interrupt sleep. It is a potentially life-threatening condition that often remains undiagnosed. Educate drivers and make them aware of common risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, alcohol, and a family history of sleep apnea. Helping truck drivers diagnose and treat sleep apnea can lead to better mental health.
- Encourage drivers to eat healthy – As we know how food at truck stops is greasy and usually junk food. Encouraging them and facilitating them to eat healthy through route maps and giving the additional time to find healthy food would be the first step.
- Mandatory insurance – A Mandatory Health Insurance that is subsidized and covers therapy if required. A prevailing catalyst for poor mental health has been the lack of care in the case of truck drivers. It should be the duty of the company to prioritize the trucker’s wellbeing.
- Family Time- The company should go the extra mile, with ensuring enough down time and provide relationship counseling to mitigate the difficulty of being away from family.
- Comforts from home – Companies should allow its truck drivers to bring comforts from home with them on the road. They would act as cues, reminding them of home which can make a truck driver feel at ease and would you believe, a better night’s sleep. It can also help truckers follow routines that are like the ones they have when they aren’t working, which can help mental health. These can include watching TV, listening to the radio, comfy blankets, and much more.
- Smart transportation technology – While optimizing drivers’ time on the road through shortening trips and improving driver quality of life. In addition, technology such as mobile devices through connectivity will help drivers be more in touch with their loved ones, likewise smartwatches can encourage better health and has the power to improve life on the road for long-haul truckers.
Drivers End Best practices
Truckers work long, grueling hours in cramped and isolated conditions, which can take its toll on their general well-being over time. When this happens, drivers aren’t doing themselves any favors or setting themselves up for long-term success on the job, which may be why burnout amongst other psychological and physiological issues as we discussed above is a common problem among truckers.
First and foremost, it is the makeup of the trucking industry to be blamed. As approximately 94 percent of drivers are men, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and men are less likely than women to seek treatment for emotional distress. Research has also found that lower-income working-class Americans don’t seek mental-health care as readily as members of the middle and upper classes. Even when truckers do want mental-health care, though, the demands of the job can make it impossible. For one thing, long-haul truckers are almost never at home—in some cases, they spend only a handful of days each year not on the road. They also tend to have very little control over their schedules. So how does one do his best when the cards are stacked against him? Let’s run through a few recommended practices for drivers, to get back in to the driver seat and take control of their lives and well-being.
- Get Enough Sleep - Lack of sleep can deprive the ability to function properly. As humans, we are designed this way. The worst of days can befall you; true sleep will not make your suffering or problems end but surely will keep you rested to face and take on anything. It’s your duty to keep your body well rested.
- Build a strong Routine - The most sense of security and comfort usually comes from good habits. You would have heard this saying “Habits makes a man” and we humans are creatures of habits. A positive daily routine of good reinforcing habits can give your life structure and also help you get things done. Although, you spend most of your day behind the wheel, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a routine to stick to, from the moment you wake up until you go to bed. Design your best life to live and stick by it.
- To Keep Healthy, Exercise is a must - It is not co-incidence why Dwayne Johnson is one of the highest paid A-Listers in Hollywood. Exercise not only helps to keep you in good physical shape; it is even greater for sustaining a positive mental state and attitude. Add physical activity in your daily routine for you to burn them calories and to keep your mental health razor sharp. Excuses are for losers.
- Eat Healthy on the Road - If Exercise is Ying, a good diet is Yang. Just like exercise, a good diet is more than just good for your body—it consolidates your efforts from all aspects, especially the mind. Even though it can be tough to make healthy eating choices when on the road, plan ahead and if required get permission from dispatch to facilitate this. Whenever you do get the chance to buy healthy for one meal, buy a few extra for the road may be to last till the next stop.
- Look Good, Jack! - Looking good and self-grooming positively co-relates with our mood. Prioritize the grooming effort; include it in your daily routine. When we take care of ourselves and take the time to look our best, we feel better and our overall mood and outlook improves. It’s time to look good, Jack!
- Bring on board a co pilot - The road isolation in its self is a form of torture straight from hell, so if possible and permissible, bring on board a co-pilot, to help with the road isolation and loneliness that comes with it. A person in the passenger seat can help keep your spirits up when you’re making long hauls.
- Decorate your cabin with comforts - Bring onboard and decorate your cabin with some photos, totems, positive memoir and small decorations. Although your truck cab may be small, that doesn’t mean you can’t make room for some comforting reminders of home. This will help keep you feeling positive and in perspective when on the road.
- Learn, Learn and expand that knowledge - With all that time on your hands behind the wheel, you can put that driving time to good use by expanding your knowledge and horizons. Keep your brain active and occupied while driving by listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. You could learn a language or two if you put in the effort.
- Downtime Fun - Make the most of your downtime. Sure, truckers work long hours and have pint-sized downtimes. However, when you do find yourself with some treasurable minutes outside of your truck’s cab, make the most of it. Get out of the truck and it’s time to have a little fun.
- Relationships, keep them healthy - With the extensive days on the road, time is scarce and with years to come most meaningful relationships truckers have will deteriorate. Invest time and reach out, if you have to make amends with friends and family while you’re on the road. These days it’s easier than ever to stay in contact with your loved ones, so please do, it will help you stay grounded and make you feel supported through the long journey on the road.
The Bitter Truth
The core issues facing truck drivers haven’t changed in many decades, and there’s seemingly no real way to mitigate the risks involved without a full overhaul of the profession. However, in recent years, attempts have been made to improve the quality of life for truckers through policy. New federal regulations enacted in 2013 reduced the number of hours a trucker can drive per week. A trucker on the road today can work a maximum of 70 hours, which must be followed by at least 34 hours of non-work before the next workweek can begin. Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving per day, which must include a minimum 30-minute break within the first eight hours. Perhaps most importantly, drivers are now required to have yearly physical check-ups.
As a country, it’s our duty to consider their plight, given how much the trucking industry impacts the rest of the country, movement of cargo, from highway safety to health-care affordability, the problems faced by truckers should be of the utmost importance. The health of drivers—both mental and physical—is crucial for the American economy.
