Conference seeks better health and wellnessfor commercial drivers

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the average life expectancy for a commercial truck driver is only 61 years, a startling 16 years lower than the national average. We need to do more to keep drivers healthy so they can do their critically important job safely.

That's why, this morning, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Anne Ferro kicked off the first-ever International Conference on Commercial Driver Health and Wellness. The conference brings together motor carriers, academic researchers, and state transportation officials to better understand the challenges of driver health and wellness and to determine how we can meet those challenges.

Irregular schedules, long hours of work, poor diet and nutrition, and the stress of driving in heavy traffic and bad weather are challenges for drivers seeking a healthy lifestyle.

Studies show that 50 percent of commercial drivers are overweight or obese compared to only 33 percent of the general adult population. Obesity leads to hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and other health problems.

We also know that 54 percent of commercial drivers smoke cigarettes and only 8 percent exercise. Among the general adult population, only 21 percent smoke, and 49 percent exercise regularly.

At the conference: Albert Alvarez (FMCSA), Eric Wood (Univ. of Utah), Administrator Ferro, Richard Pain (Transportation Research Board), Rick Ash (independent owner-operator and Chair of the Trucking Solutions Group)

We understand that better driver health leads to greater safety behind the wheel. Carriers are concerned about reducing absenteeism, injury, and sickness among their drivers. And drivers simply want to live healthier lives.

So improving the health of drivers is a win all around.

While driver health is a critical issue, many carriers--particularly smaller companies--are worried that investing in a health and wellness program seems risky. Fortunately, that is not the case.

Recent studies show that companies investing in employee health and wellness actually get a positive return on these investments. At the conference, several carriers that made the leap into health and wellness programs for their drivers--like Conway and J.B. Hunt--will share their successes.

These programs are working for carriers and drivers--and the people who share our roadways with them. Schneider National’s sleep apnea initiative has saved the company $538 per driver each month in health care savings and yielded a 55 percent greater retention rate among participating drivers than the fleet as a whole. But we also know that a well-rested driver is a safer driver.

Of course, as Administrator Ferro said, "Making healthy choices ultimately rests with the driver. Drivers need to support each other in making these choices for better health, even if it starts with just getting outside the truck and walking around."

As a result of this conference, we will develop a model driver health and wellness program. This can be used by carriers of all sizes, large and small. We expect to share these suggested programs by next summer.

The conference Administrator Ferro launched today is about raising the bar for good health in the motor carrier industry because it’s good for drivers and their families, good for business, and good for improving safety on our nation’s highways.

I know it's just the beginning of a long fight for better health among commercial drivers, but I think it's a terrific start. And I want to thank Administrator Ferro and everyone who made it possible.

Comments

[Jennifer Slechta]

I like to say that I agree that Health and Wellness needs to be a priority for us Drivers and I look forward to hearing anything on this issue.
Hopefully Women Truck Driver's Health and Safety will be a part of that issue, because we as women can get exercise, but exercising in a truck stop,rest area or any other public area where they can be observed can be very unsafe for us. Regardless of time of day, we cant control the ignorance of primarily male's who feel for one reason or another they have a right to invade our privacy and yes folks this does happen.So please take this into consideration as you talk about this issue.

[Michael E. Bailey]

The statistics are alarming. There are too many truck drivers overweight, not eating a good diet, and smoking. All things that can shorten a person's life expectanct. That said, it will be very hard to convince independent minded truck drivers who are owner operators that they need to make time in very demanding schedules for excersize, that they need proper nutrition, and that they should stop smoking. A good beginning could be for truck stops to provide a healthier choice of menu selections and to provide an attached gym that does not have to be big or elaborate but should provide some basic weight machines and cardio-bikes. The conference, though is a great first step. It should be repeated once a year. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

[Truckdrivernews]

What a boat load of crap...If you all in the DOT and the rest of your gutless entourage had a whimper of a concern for a drivers health, then you would be fighting the ANTI-IDLING laws, and not allowing these rest areas to be closed.

Why not quit wasting all that tax money on bike paths, and get us some parking places built!

[Greenmacgal]

Also the idling (exhaust) at truck stops is a major health hazard. Solution = Shorepower Technologies (truck stop electrification). http://www.shorepower.com

[Causes of Anxiety]

The conference is very helpful to the health and wellness of the commercial drivers. With the help of this conference, drivers are now aware how to have a healthy lifestyle. Stress in driving in heavy traffic, poor diet and nutrition, and a lot of other factors can cause anxiety attacks.

Two thumbs up for Administrator Ferro and everyone who made it possible.

[Linda Caffee]

Great job to Rick Ash for representing The Trucking Solutions group and drivers!

He took the time our of his schedule. Rick really gave this his all as he spent his own money to attend the conference.

[Grammer Australia]

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