Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers: Unhealthy Truck Drivers More Accident Prone
April 11, 2017
A career in trucking has an reputation for fostering an unhealthy lifestyle. Truck driving typically involves a great deal of sitting, very little exercise, and too much unhealthy fast-food. In addition, truck drivers are often under a great deal of pressure to meet deadlines, which can be extremely stressful. While there are several factors that can affect a driver’s safety record, a new study suggests that a driver’s health can influence his or her chance of being involved in a truck accident.
Researchers at the University of Utah School of Medicine found that commercial truck drivers who suffered from three or more medical conditions were four times more likely to be in a trucking accident than their healthier colleagues. The study also suggests that even relatively minor health issues could increase the chances of a wreck if the driver experienced three or more. For example, if a driver suffers from diabetes only, the condition is manageable and would not significantly increase their chance of an accident. However, if the driver has diabetes in combination with high blood pressure and anxiety, the risk of a crash increases substantially. It is the combination of medical conditions that can cause major problems for truck drivers and other drivers on the road.
Medical Conditions Linked to Truck Driving
The study team analyzed the medical records of nearly 50,000 commercial truck drivers. Some of the most common medical conditions linked to poor driving performance include heart disease, lower back pain, and diabetes. The researchers found that 34% of truck drivers suffered from at least one of these conditions. When they compared the medical records to the drivers’ accident histories, they found that the drivers who had three or more conditions were more likely to be involved in a trucking accident.
According to the lead author of the study, the current practice used by employers is to consider each health condition individually. Commercial trucking companies will normally avoid hiring an applicant who has a major health issue. However, they do not consider the implications of hiring someone who has multiple minor health conditions. There are currently no guidelines for truck companies to follow when it comes to addressing this problem.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims Injured in a Truck Crash
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident and you believe that the commercial truck driver involved was at fault, you are urged to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will thoroughly investigate the details of the crash and obtain all the necessary documentation, including the truck driver’s medical records. We will fight to hold all appropriate parties responsible. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call one of our dedicated truck accident lawyers today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
