A career as a truck driver can give you a sense of freedom since when you hit the road it’s just you and your vehicle. But driving for a living can be fraught with risk if you have any pre-existing ailments.
There are numerous health issues – many of which are more common than you might think – that could adversely impact your ability to drive safely. Some of them can be managed, and some of them may progress to the point where operating a truck is no longer safe. So if you’re a trucker, read up on these health tips for truck drivers.
Cataracts
The majority of people who are at least 75 years of age come down with a cataract in either one or both eyes. Of course, it’s possible to develop a cataract much earlier, so you need to be mindful of this. Cataracts can obstruct your vision by making things look fuzzy, so they can certainly make driving unsafe. Annual eye exams will help you to take care of your eye health, and surgery is possible in the event that you’re found to have a cataract.
Anxiety
Few things can compromise your ability to command you truck safely as much as anxiety. Anxiety refers to an overwhelming sense of fear or apprehension, often for irrational reasons. In the event that you experience an anxiety attack while behind the wheel, your state of mind won’t be settled. That means that your reaction time, decision-making ability and behind-the-wheel composure will be compromised. If you suffer from this condition, your best bet is to talk to your doctor about how you can overcome anxiety.
Medication
You no doubt know that many medications have side effects, like drowsiness or blurred vision, which can seriously hamper your ability to drive safely. If you happen to require multiple medications, you also have to be wary about how they might interact with each other. While you should speak to your doctor to figure out the best option, you can also do some independent research by using the American Automobile Association’s Roadwise Rx tool. You can input your medications and supplements, and see if there are any problems that could arise.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive condition that ultimately leads to the deterioration of central vision. This condition, during the later stages, will make it difficult, if not impossible, for you to operate a motor vehicle. Your doctor will be able to advise you on this. Again, annual eye exams should be a priority.
As you can see, there are some serious health conditions that can have an impact on your ability to operate a truck. While some of them can be dealt with by seeking treatment, others may over time make it impossible to drive. If you have any questions as to how a health condition may impact your job, you should speak to your doctor.
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