Semi trucks outweigh ordinary vehicles by as much as 75,000 pounds, making them challenging to maneuver. Consequently, to drive a commercial truck in California and across the country, a trucker must carry a unique type of driver’s license. Earning the license requires passing some special tests.
Before obtaining a commercial driver’s license, truckers must undergo a physical. Regrettably, according to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, professional truckers are more likely to have some medical conditions that may make them unsafe.
Smoking
While not a medical condition by itself, smoking can lead to cancer, emphysema, stroke and other serious illnesses. The CDC notes long-haul truck drivers are two times more likely to smoke cigarettes than other drivers on the road.
Obesity
Long-haul truckers often spend days behind the wheel with few or no opportunities for physical exercise. They also may consume a high-calorie diet, making truckers twice as likely to be overweight or obese as other motorists. Excessive body weight may contribute to hypertension, poor circulation, diabetes and heart disease.
Fatigue
Even though professional truckers must comply with resting requirements, too many drowsy truckers are on the road. Insufficient sleep may encourage truckers to consume caffeine, stimulants and even controlled substances. Each of these may have side effects that interview with a trucker’s driving abilities.
While truck accidents happen for many different reasons, it is important to consider the overall health of the trucker. Ultimately, if a trucker’s poor health causes a crash that injures you, you may be eligible for financial compensation from the trucker or trucking company.