4 Cons of Driving a Tractor Trailer

There are many reasons why people choose to become long-haul truck drivers, such as independence, the opportunity to see the country, and job security. Many people make rewarding and lifelong careers out of truck driving. However, like with any job, there are downsides to working in this industry. Here are four cons of driving a tractor trailer.

1. Susceptibility to Accidents

Regardless of which industry you work in, the more you drive, the more likely you are to eventually get into an accident. Truckers are on the road much more than the average person, and combined with the long working hours and fatigue they often face, truck drivers are susceptible to getting into an accident at some point during their career. A tractor trailer injury attorney can advise a driver about whether or not they are eligible for compensation after getting into an accident.

2. Unhealthy Habits

While it is possible to maintain healthy habits while on the road, it can be much more difficult. Driving involves a lot of sitting, and truck stops where drivers park to sleep at night may not always be the most convenient areas to walk around for physical exercise. In addition, fast food outlets are ubiquitous along major highways, whereas stores that sell healthier items often involve driving farther out of the way to get to. The good news is that fast food places are becoming better at offering more nutritious items to their patrons.

3. Loneliness

Many tractor-trailer drivers are away from their families for long periods of time. This combined with being in a different town or city every day can lead to feelings of loneliness. While some truckers drive as a team, many are solo drivers, meaning that they do not interact with coworkers on a daily basis the way that people who go into an office or other work environments do. One way to help combat loneliness and boredom is to listen to music or an audiobook while driving.

4. Stress and Fatigue

Despite the relative independence that truck drivers have, they still need to make deliveries on time. This can be stressful when there are factors involved that are out of your control, such as bad weather and traffic. In addition, the long hours involved in trying to make those deadlines can lead to fatigue.

If you are interested in a career in driving a tractor-trailer, consider the pros and cons of working in that industry.