Records reveal that although a majority of the industries are gradually getting safer, recent data suggests that trucking has become a lot more hazardous than before. In the year 2019, 1800 truckers lost their lives in vehicle accidents, as against 783 fatalities five years back. So, with the increase in the death numbers, you must be careful, especially if you’re a trucker on the roads.
A commercial truck accident is extremely common these days and if you don’t want to give up your life while driving a truck, you have to be careful. Here are a few things that you should be aware of before setting out on the road.
A driver or a trucker – Who counts as a trucker or driver?
As per the ILO or the International Labour Organization, a trucker or a truck driver is someone who drives a commercial vehicle called a truck, with a capacity that is higher than 3 tons for transporting materials to a definite place. Truckers may even do other tasks like maintaining the truck.
Trucker accident injuries – What are the common types?
Due to the sheer size of trucks, accidents can lead to critical wounds. Truckers experience several types of non-fatal incidents while driving or while inspecting the trucks. Here are a few common truck injuries:
- Fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Ergonomic injuries
- Lacerations and cuts
- Multiple fractures or traumatic injuries
What types of exposures may lead to trucker injuries?
Here are a few types of injuries that truckers should be highly concerned of:
- Ergonomic injuries
Truckers usually drive for long distances and hence they may experience injuries in their arm, legs, back, or hands due to long hours of sitting in the same position. They also handle the cargo where they have to load and unload heavy things. This can also lead to muscle aches.
- Transportation accidents
The most obvious type of trucker accident is the transportation accident. It goes without mentioning that trucks are huge vehicles that are difficult to handle. Trucks have large blind spots and there are times when they do so for several hours. As they often have to drive at night, the risks of accidents are heightened due to sleepy eyes, poor weather, and bad roads.
- Trips and falls
Unlike conventional vehicles, the passenger and driver doors aren’t close to the ground. Drivers have to climb onto the truck or descend and this is when they have a risk of suffering from an injurious fall.
- Repairs were done to the field
Truckers can even suffer from injuries whenever there are field repairs or servicing done to the vehicles.
Preventive measures to be taken by truckers
- Learn to utilize safe lifting techniques for awkward and heavy loads
- Avert any situation where you have to breathe exhaust fumes
- Use aids to help you in lifting items
- Protect your body and hands by wearing protective clothing
- Ask the trucking company to install seats that are ergonomically designed
So, if you’re a trucker who is looking for ways of avoiding fatal accidents, keep in mind the above-mentioned points.