The Official Blog for Penske Truck Leasing, Truck Rental and Logistics

It typically begins with a simple yawn. Next thing you know, your eyes feel heavy. You find yourself turning up the radio or opening a window. Then you realize you forgot the last few miles you drove and wonder how you traveled so far without realizing it.

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According to a National Safety Council study, sprains and strains account for the highest number of injuries (60 percent) truck drivers suffer each year. About 21 percent of those injuries are neck and back related.

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More than 40% of truck drivers now live in a state that has legalized the use of marijuana, according to an American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) report. However, federal law still prohibits the use of marijuana by CMV drivers who engage in interstate travel.
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Do you yawn often or feel drowsy when driving during daylight hours? Do you snore while sleeping? Do you have frequent headaches? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA.

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You’re due at your destination in an hour, but traffic has slowed to a crawl. You just got cut off — twice. You’re already feeling worn out. And now rain clouds are gathering overhead. As a truck driver, you face these types of situations all the time. The more prepared you are to handle them, the healthier you’ll be.

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You climb in and out of your cab constantly. You may even be required to climb into the trailer or on top of a flatbed to secure the load you are transporting. This is done so often, that you probably don’t think of the risk involved. But move too fast or carelessly, and you could end up out of service with a serious injury.

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Accidents happen! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) most recent Traffic Safety Facts report, about 538,000 large trucks were involved in police-reported crashes in 2019. Those accidents led to 159,000 injuries and more than 5,000 deaths.

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Life on the road means lots of hours behind the wheel. It can also mean way too many high-fat, high-calorie truck stop and diner meals. And sadly, all those calories come at a cost. Studies show that 7 in 10 truck drivers are overweight, which raises their risk for serious heart disease.

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Drug and alcohol violations bring serious penalties for holders of Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) and Commercial Learner's Permits (CLPs). A positive test will keep you off the road until you complete substance abuse counseling and receive a negative test. It may even cost you your job altogether.

That's why the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) urges all professional drivers to exercise caution when considering the use of cannabidiol (CBD) products. While many are sold over the counter for pain relief, anxiety, and movement disorders, some can lead to a positive drug test. Here's why:

  • DOT lists all forms of marijuana as Schedule I controlled substances. That means drivers can't legally use marijuana for recreational or medical reasons, even in states where marijuana use is legal.
  • CBD products contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It's the primary psychoactive component of marijuana.
  • A THC concentration of more than 0.3% will take you off the road following a drug test.
  • CBD products carry misleading labels. Because CBD products aren't regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), a CBD product could contain higher levels of THC than the product label indicates.

CBD is not a legitimate excuse for a positive lab test result. Medical Review Officers will verify any drug test at a concentration of 0.3% THC even if a driver claims he or she only used a CBD product. It is the responsibility of the CDL holder to understand and comply with all FMCSA/DOT regulations. This is the law.

Positive drug tests for marijuana remain a problem for drivers. On January 6, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched its Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. It's a secure online database that gives employers, drivers and government agencies real-time access to information about CDL and CLP driver violations.

From January 6, 2020, to May 1, 2021, the FMCSA recorded 69,565 drivers with at least one drug or alcohol violation. Marijuana is the No. 1 violation, accounting for 56% of all positive tests. Other commonly found illegal substances include cocaine, methamphetamine and amphetamine. In all, positive drug tests accounted for 81% of the total violations reported.

The message is clear. Avoid any type of drugs or alcohol, including marijuana and CBD products, so you can stay on the road and keep yourself and others safe.

Drivers who want to view their clearinghouse record can register for the clearinghouse. Visit: clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register

With long hours spent sitting in a cab, little opportunity to exercise, few healthy food choices and large amounts of stress, driving a truck brings many challenges. Staying heart healthy may be one of the biggest ones.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease causes more than 655,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Unfortunately, truck drivers face some of the highest risks. And heart disease affects driving performance. A 2016 study showed that truck drivers with a high risk of heart disease were also more likely to be involved in a crash.

February is American Heart Month, so it's a great time to take steps now to improve your heart health.

Follow this two-step process to get heart-healthy:

First, know your risk factors. You are at a higher risk for a heart attack or heart disease if you:

  • Have a family history
  • Are a man older than 45
  • Are a woman past menopause
  • Smoke
  • Have high cholesterol
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Aren't physically active
  • Are obese
  • Have diabetes
  • Drink too much alcohol
  • Have a poor diet
  • Have high stress levels

Next, take steps to reverse your risk factors. Staying heart healthy takes commitment. You can start now by making small steps today to reduce your risk factors.

  • Quit smoking. It's not easy, but it's worth it. Websites like Smokefree.gov offer great tips, as does the free quitSTART app from the CDC. Many states offer free nicotine replacement therapy to help you deal with cravings. Even if you can't quit, cutting back on the number of cigarettes you smoke a day will bring health benefits.
  • Walk around. Start by stretching and taking short walks around your truck before and after your drive and while you're on breaks. Bonus points if you can do sit-ups or pushups.
  • Pack healthy food in your truck. Quit the truck stop habit. Carry healthy snacks such as almonds, apples, bananas, dark chocolate, oranges and energy bars. If you have a mini fridge in your truck, stock it with pre-cut vegetables, hard boiled eggs, cheese sticks and other heart-healthy options.
  • Control your stress. Free smartphone apps like Calm and Headspace offer meditation and other exercises to reduce your stress levels and help you get the sleep your heart needs each night.
  • See your doctor. If you don't know your cholesterol, blood pressure or blood sugar levels, make an appointment with a healthcare provider to get bloodwork. Knowing your numbers will give you a plan to help your heart.