Health Initiatives to Promote Truck Driver Health Could Save Lives « Houston Accident Attorney | Texas Personal Injury Lawyer Houston

Health Initiatives to Promote Truck Driver Health Could Save Lives

New truck driver health initiatives being employed by a number of trucking companies could save not just truck driver lives, but also the lives of thousands of motorists every year. According to statistics, in 2007, approximately 87% of all accidents were caused by trucker error, and twelve percent of these were linked to driver fatigue or medical conditions involving the driver, like heart attacks and diabetic shock.

Poor trucker health is a serious concern in the trucking industry, and many companies are now unveiling initiatives aimed at keeping truck drivers healthy. A trucker’s job is mainly sedentary, depriving him of the opportunity to exercise. Additionally, truckers may eat at truck stops and fast food restaurants, where almost everything on the menu is deep-fried or covered in grease.

Now, trucking companies are trying to change all that. Many trucking companies are using incentives to encourage drivers to maintain a safe weight. Financial incentives are being offered to drivers who reach health goals. In other cases, companies are installing on-site gyms, and encouraging truck drivers to keep a bicycle in the truck so they can bike around a truck stop. Some trucking companies even encourage truck drivers to cook low-fat, low-carb meals, in the rig in order to keep their weight down.

An unhealthy truck driver is more likely to suffer a serious medical condition, like a cardiac arrest, while he’s driving. Trucking companies must be applauded for initiating measures aimed at a healthier work force.

Vuk Vujasinovic is a Houston truck accident lawyer, representing victims injured in commercial truck and 18-wheeler accidents in the Houston region, across Texas and nationwide.