A new report from IIT Delhi reveals disturbing health statistics about truck drivers in India. The report says that 55.1 percent of truck drivers suffer from poor vision, in fact, 53.3 percent suffer from distance-vision correction while 46.7 percent require near-vision treatment. Such a condition has become a major safety hazard because they cannot see properly to drive long distances on highways.

The study, conducted in collaboration with the Foresight Foundation, screened 50,000 truck drivers across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Apart from vision problems, the report also revealed that:

  1. 44.3% of drivers had a high or borderline BMI, increasing their risk of obesity-related diseases.
  2. 57.4% suffered from high blood pressure, which can lead to heart complications.
  3. 18.4% had high or borderline blood sugar levels, raising concerns about diabetes.

As part of tracking health challenges, other psychological problems contribute to the need for better treatment for truckers. One report concluded that truck drivers experience major levels of stress on a 33.9% scale while 2.9% percent have levels of high anxiety. These indicate an urgent solution of mental wellness care for the truckers to reduce the hardship from extreme conditions in their work environment.

Truck drivers are the backbone of the logistics sector in India. They ensure goods are delivered to each corner of the nation. However, their job is affected by numerous challenges:

  1. Long hours and irregular working schedules leave them tired and stressed.
  2. Prolonged periods away from family have a toll on their mental health.
  3. Poor eating habits and no medical check-ups leave them in bad health.

The well-being of truck drivers can be improved if their:

  1. Regular health checks, including eye and blood pressure checks.
  2. An improved work environment, with clear hours of work and breaks at appropriate times.
  3. Access to mental health support. There are such things as consultation services and stress management programs.

Indian truck drivers keep this economy moving, yet their health takes a backseat. Medical and mental health issues need to be addressed for the purpose of safety on roads and healthy workers.