Truck driving is a dangerous but well-paid profession. Despite how risky it can be, it is also often quite boring. Truck drivers may spend 10 hours or more on the highway every shift. Boredom can exacerbate fatigue, making it harder to remain alert and awake on the job.
Unfortunately, some of the ways that truck drivers may try to keep themselves awake can be relatively dangerous. Truck drivers may end up distracting themselves and increasing their chance of causing a crash. They could also be at risk of citations that could end their careers.
What are some of the most common and dangerous distractions for semi-truck operators?
Communication with family
Sometimes, truck drivers receive phone calls from their spouses about issues back home. Other times, they may reach out to loved ones to stave off boredom. In both scenarios, they may expose themselves to risk. There’s a federal no-text rule which technically prohibits the manual use of a mobile device while operating a semi-truck, and violations can put their licensing at risk.
Communication with employers
Although truck drivers should not use their own digital devices, there is a little bit of leeway for handling dispatch devices. Transportation companies may provide mobile phones, tablets or similar devices to communicate with truck drivers about changes to their schedule and other concerns. Handling those devices can be as distracting as texting a family member.
Adjusting vehicle controls
Maybe a truck driver has to find a new radio station because the last one is out of range. Perhaps they have a GPS system that they need to adjust because of a road closure. Truck drivers can become visually and manually distracted by the need to interact with different vehicle systems in the tractor of the semi-truck.
Eating and drinking
People who spend the majority of their waking hours on the road may not have the luxury of taking meal breaks whenever they get hungry. Truck drivers may eat their meals and snacks while still actively driving. They may also drink coffee or energy drinks to help them stay awake. Eating or drinking forces them to take at least one hand off of the steering wheel and can also cause mental and visual distraction.
Pain from sedentary work
Physical pain can be profoundly distracting. Drivers who are on the road for hours may have pain in their buttocks, lower backs, shins, shoulders and hands. The pain itself can be a source of distraction, as can efforts to alleviate that pain.
Truck drivers facing allegations of distraction may need help protecting their professional reputation and licensing from the impact of a traffic citation. Defending against a ticket can help a driver get back on the road after a ticket or a crash.
