Being a truck driver typically comes with a good salary and the opportunity to see several different parts of the country. Additionally, many of these drivers have a good benefits package that makes the gruelling nature of their job much more palatable. However, the trucking industry can also be extremely dangerous because it is associated with many different health risks.
For example, truckers have an increased risk of suffering from a heart attack, stroke or back problems. Due to this, it is imperative for truck drivers to pay close attention to their health at all times. The following are several ways that a person on the road can stay healthier while living the life.
1. Choose Healthy Snacks
One of the biggest problems the truckers face is the fact that it can be difficult to eat healthy without having the opportunity to stop and make their own meals. However, it will only take a few minutes each day to pack a cooler with healthier snacks and meal options such as carrots, cucumber slices and sandwiches that have been made with low-fat options. As an added bonus, having a cooler with you can actually allow you to make fewer stops.
2. Get Enough Sleep Each Night
Research has proven that being sleep deprived will reduce your ability to quickly respond to unexpected situations, and it can also have a very negative impact on your overall health. Unfortunately, drowsy driving is responsible for approximately 71,000 injuries and 1,550 fatalities in the U.S. each year. If you injure or kill someone as a result of not getting enough sleep, you could face serious legal consequences. For example, the family of a person who was killed by your negligence could obtain legal representation to help them file a wrongful death lawsuit against you. If this ever happens to you, you will need to retain a truck accident lawyer immediately to help you build a viable defense.
3. Avoid Distractions
Another common problem that could lead to a wrongful death case or other legal complications is becoming distracted by a cellphone, the radio or anything else. Additionally, you need to consider the fact that becoming distracted could cause you to become the individual who is seriously injured or killed. On June 10, 2011, a truck carrying cattle overturned in northwest Missouri. This incident happened at approximately 5:30 AM, so even though investigators were not immediately able to determine the cause, the odds are high that the driver either became distracted or was too tired to be on the road. Fortunately, no people were injured, so the truck driver in this scenario was able to avoid facing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
4. Make Time to Stretch
It is understandable that truck drivers want to reach their destination as quickly as possible, but you also need to remain cognizant of the fact that your body requires a certain amount of stretching and exercising to stay healthy. Therefore, to avoid dealing with back issues and other health problems you should stop at least a few times each day to stretch out your muscles and take a walk.
5. Bring a Companion to Stave off Depression
Being on the road for an extended period of time each day can cause feelings of isolation and depression. Although it might not be possible to bring a human companion with you at all times, you could go to an animal shelter and adopt a dog to accompany you while you work. A dog will help you with your mental health, and it will also encourage you to exercise because it will need to be taken for walks.
By following all of these tips, you can keep yourself healthier and avoid legal problems while making a good living as a truck driver. Keep in mind that all of these healthy techniques can be utilized by anyone. In other words, even if you have been driving for 20 years and have never placed an emphasis on your health in the past, you can make a positive change now to reduce your risk of dying from a fatigue induced traffic accident, stroke or heart attack.
Lisa Coleman shares several ways a person who lives life on the road for a career can stay healthy and safe, especially from the legalities that can occur from unsafe driving. She recently viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUY55fBUoP0 the charges a person can face due to unsafe driving habits.
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