Truck Drivers’ Mental Health & Safety: An Overlooked Crisis

We see them on roads, in the middle of the night, in the heat, and in the rain. Truck drivers are the quiet wheels of India's economy. Goods don't move, shelves don't get filled, and businesses stop working without them. But what happens to the folks driving commercial trucks when they stop?

When it comes to commercial vehicles, we often talk about how far they can go, how powerful their engines are, and how much they have to pay in road taxes. But we don't talk about the person who drives the truck very much. We don't talk about his health, safety, or, more crucially, his mental health.

The Long Road and the Heavy Mind

Drivers of trucks often spend hours, even days, on the road. By yourself. Not with family. Not resting. This kind of life is hard on you.

• Imagine being in a small cabin for 10 to 14 hours a day.
• Eating meals at highway dhabas that don't have much nourishment.
• Sleeping in the van or in wayside lodges without getting enough sleep.

This makes people tired, lonely, and stressed out over time. Some truck drivers even display signs of depression or anxiety, but most of the time they don't talk about it because they are afraid, ashamed, or don't know what to do.

There Are More Safety Risks Than Just the Road

We think of seat belts, brakes, and tire pressure when we think about the safety of commercial vehicles. But a motorist who is fatigued and agitated is just as dangerous as a brake that doesn't work.

Being tired makes it hard to focus. Stress makes it take longer to react. When you're feeling down, you could make bad choices when driving. One false move can spell tragedy for a truck that big.

Road safety statistics shows that most incidents involving commercial trucks are caused by tired or distracted drivers, not mechanical problems.

Why Mental Health Is Still Not Taken Seriously

Most truck drivers in India originate from the countryside. People don't talk about mental health openly. A lot of people still think it's a "city issue" or that it makes them appear weak. In addition, the trucking sector doesn't really have a way to help people with mental health issues.

• No numbers for support.
• No regular check-ups for health.
• There will be no therapy sessions at loading hubs or transport centers.

In short, they have to fight their own fights.

A Little Change Can Make a Big Difference

This is what can help:

• Breaks for rest are required on long trips.
• Driver wellness camps in big transportation hubs.
• Truck drivers can communicate and share with each other on helplines and in peer groups.
• Health insurance policies that also cover mental health.

Basic cabin changes for comfort include greater air circulation, more comfortable seats, and a nicer place to sleep.

Fleet owners, transportation companies, and even brands of commercial vehicles need to do more. They put money into the trucks for business, but now it's time to put money into the drivers too.

Final thoughts

Not only are truck drivers moving things. They are transferring the country. But for too long, people have not cared about their emotional and physical health. We need to consider truck drivers as people, not simply laborers. They have feelings, needs, and families who are waiting for them to get home safely.

It's excellent to have better roads and cars. But what really makes transportation great is a driver who is safe and supported.

Let's not forget about them anymore.
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