About the NIOSH Long-Haul Truck Driver Survey
About the NIOSH Long-Haul Truck Driver Survey
In 2010, NIOSH surveyed long-haul truck drivers in the United States to determine national estimates of work-related safety and health conditions. Survey results, published in 2014, suggest a need to focus on these health conditions to prevent injury and illness and improve overall driver health.
How was the survey done?
Data were collected during personal interviews with 1,265 long-haul truck drivers at 32 different truck stops across the United States. Personal interviews consisted of questions on:
- truck driving history
- work practices
- driving environment
- fatigue
- sleep
- injury history
- health and medical conditions
- demographics
Learn more about how we assessed truck driver health conditions and behaviors.
Additionally, 16 of the 32 truck stops were assessed to gauge whether truck stops in general provide resources that can contribute to the well-being of long-haulers, including:
- personal hygiene and comfort
- communication and mental stimulation
- health care
- safety
- physical activity
- nutrition
Who collaborated on this survey?
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)external icon, within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)external icon, provided partial funding for the U.S. National Survey of Long-haul Truck Driver Health and Injury. FMCSA develops and enforces regulations to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.
How can findings from this study be used?
Five papers have been published expanding on results of this survey:
- Obesity and Other Risk Factors: The National Survey of U.S. Long Haul Truck Driver Health and Injuryexternal icon
- NIOSH National Survey of Long-haul Truck Drivers: Injury and Safetyexternal icon
- National Survey of US Long-Haul Truck Driver Health and Injury: Health Behaviorsexternal icon
- Vital Signs: Seat Belt Use among Long-Haul Truck Drivers-United States, 2010
- A Pilot Study of Healthy Living Options at 16 Truck Stops Across the United Statesexternal icon
Survey and study results can be used to inform the development of interventions. The data can be used as benchmarks to measure the effectiveness of programs to reduce injury and illness. NIOSH is exploring different ways to share these findings and other health information with the trucking industry. Contact the project officer, Karl Sieber, if you are interested in learning more about this study or partnering with NIOSH to move this research into practice.
We wish to thank all participating truck stops and drivers without whom this data collection would not have been possible.
