Do you like taking risks? Most people might agree that at some point in their lives they have taken risks, whether it be riding a roller coaster, bungi jumping or drag racing. However, most of us do not like the thought of risking our lives.
Did you know that every time you drive your vehicle, you are indeed taking a risk? You are taking a risk because people other than yourself are operating potentially dangerous motor vehicles.
How can a motor vehicle be dangerous? Well, of course, vehicles don't have minds of their own, but we are never aware of the driving condition of others.
When we think of potentially dangerous vehicles, the first vehicle that is more than likely comes to mind is a tractor-trailer. It should be no surprise that tractor-trailer accidents have risen quite significantly over the past few years. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, accidents have risen 20% over the past 30 years.
These numbers have increased so dramatically for several reasons. One reason is sleep deprivation. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, truckers sleep less than five hours per night. "That level of sleep deprivation leads to performance impairment and can lead to risky mistakes like missing important signals," says Merrill Mitler of the Scripps Clinic and Research Institute in San Diego.
Another reason is that trailer-truck drivers are not eating an appropriate diet. An appropriate diet is imperative on any day because, just like mom use to say, you are what you eat. When truck drivers eat an unhealthy diet, they are more prone to become overweight. This, in turn, leads to lower back and neck pain, and can eventually lead to obesity.
Trailer-truck drivers often do not get the exercise that they need because of long hours. This factor may also lead to health problems such as: heart disease and obesity.
So, if you are a tractor-trailer driver, remember how imperative it is for you to get a proper amount of sleep, eat right and exercise, because even the risk takers of the world would more than likely agree that not participating in these healthy habits may be a risk too great!
