Automotive

Stay safe if you’re a trucker – What are the potential hazards to stay away from?

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.