In an effort to improve the health of truck drivers across the country and reduce the risk of trucking accidents in Tennessee and other U.S. states, many trucking companies are embracing programs designed to promote healthier lifestyles and help get truck drivers into better physical shape. There are thousands of 18-wheelers and semi-trucks traveling on Tennessee roadways at any given time, and when the drivers behind the wheel of these massive vehicles suffer from driver fatigue or health issues like sleep apnea – commonly afflicting overweight individuals – the consequences can be devastating for other TN motorists. If you have suffered injuries in a serious trucking accident in Tennessee, contact our qualified trucking accident lawyers at Michael D. Ponce & Associates today to discuss your legal options.
Truck Drivers Required to Pass Physical Exam
From commercial trucking companies participating in wellness and weight-loss programs, to gyms being installed at truck stops, a considerable effort has been made in recent years to improve the health and fitness of commercial truck drivers. “I think a lot of trucking companies are coming around to the idea that their drivers are their assets,” said Boyd Stephenson of the American Trucking Association. In addition to healthier employees helping a trucking company’s bottom line though, staying fit may even help drivers keep their jobs. Every two years, truck drivers must pass a physical exam required by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which oversees the operation of the trucking industry. During the physical, they are examined for conditions that might cause them to be a safety risk behind the wheel, including serious heart conditions, respiratory disorders and high blood pressure.
Dangers of Driver Fatigue and Sleep Apnea
Although there are no weight restrictions for truck drivers, an employee who has been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and is not receiving treatment will not pass the exam. Sleep apnea – a more common condition among overweight individuals – leads to daytime fatigue, which can pose a serious danger during long work days. In addition to medical conditions, other important elements related to truck driver health are eating habits and exercise – two major obstacles for drivers who remain seated behind the wheel of a truck for hours at a time. In an effort to reduce the impact of these factors on a driver’s health, truck stop chains have launched a program that includes placing free gyms in truck stops, building basketball courts, offering healthier eating options, and mapping walking routes near truck stops.
Contact Our TN Trucking Accident Lawyers
According to vice president of human resources for Con-way Freight, the company’s wellness program has reduced the number of workers who call in sick, controlled health care costs and reduced the risk of workplace injuries. “We know we have an audience out there that needs help,” said Snap Fitness gym’s founder, Peter Taunton, who plans to install gyms inside certain trucks stops in Tennessee by the end of the year. In addition to making the workplace safer for employees, improving the health of truck drivers in Tennessee can also help curb deadly trucking accidents caused by factors like driver fatigue and medical conditions such as sleep apnea. If you have been injured in a major trucking accident in Nashville, or elsewhere in Tennessee, contact our qualified trucking accident attorneys at Michael D. Ponce & Associates to explore your compensation options.
RELATED ARTICLES
We’ve Recovered Millions of Dollars for Truck Accident Victims
Although they may seem similar to car accidents, truck accidents belong in a category all by themselves. That’s because the…
As a Non-Tennessee resident, I selected Ponce Law after reading the reviews. You guys were spot on. This firm has some of the nicest, knowledgeable and easiest lawyers and staff to work with. I was amazed and very pleased with their diligence and work ethic! Even if I was worried about something and called for advice, they were quick to respond and answered my questions. I will highly recommend this firm.
Terrence Harris 3 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ponce Law Firm, has been the best experience for both of my children. Attorney helped me through all the process in a very timely profesional way. The Staff has been by far the best! I highly recommend this law firm.
Ailed Martinez 2 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I called ponce law after my motorcycle crash. I worked with Brian and Cheyenne and they were phenomenal to work with, very responsive, and always kept me updated with the status of my case. Thank you Cheyenne and Brian highly recommend the Ponce team!
ezekiel Johnson 3 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Always very professional. When we first called we had no idea if we even had a case, they told us we did. And even though the resolution took a little bit longer than expected, the wait was worth it. They get results and I really appreciated that they consistently gave me updates on the status of my case without me even asking. Thank you Ponce Law!
Karla Drumm 3 weeks ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ponce law was amazing! All of the attorneys and paralegals were extraordinary and very competent! And a special shout out to Monserrat for always keeping me updated and in the loop!!!
Paul Little 3 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My experience with Ponce law has been very positive! The paralegal team I had was very helpful through my case and I’m very happy with the outcome they were able to give me.
GROUND ZERO CONTENT 7 months ago
HEAR IT STRAIGHT FROM OUR CLIENTS
My son was on a school bus… The school bus was hit… He was taken by ambulance to Vanderbilt. A friend of mine, here in town, owns a hair salon. And she had recommended him. So I actually sent Mr. Ponce a message on Facebook. He said he would love to help! And you know, asked me for some more details. And I’ll give them to him. Some things were sent electronically. That I could just go online and do. And it would be done with! Even the times that I have come into the office. I’m not stuck sitting out in the waiting room forever. I’m brought straight back. And within a minute or two… We were already started!
The day of my accident, I was riding my scooter and then all sudden… The car just popped out of that other oncoming traffic. As far as trying to find a lawyer… It seemed like we could do it on our own… But it still seemed so iffy! I asked a friend what he thought, they’d mentioned Michael Ponce. And then when it was mentioned… It wasn’t with like… any hesitation. You should call Ponce Law because they will exceed your expectations.
Out of nowhere… Come a car and she hit us head-on. I thought for a moment that my wife was going to die, you know… But we’re all good! I just needed to find somebody that would have our back… I chose Michael because he’s going to be upfront with ya, he will definitely have your back!
In an effort to improve the health of truck drivers across the country and reduce the risk of trucking accidents in Tennessee and other U.S. states, many trucking companies are embracing programs designed to promote healthier lifestyles and help get truck drivers into better physical shape. There are thousands of 18-wheelers and semi-trucks traveling on Tennessee roadways at any given time, and when the drivers behind the wheel of these massive vehicles suffer from driver fatigue or health issues like sleep apnea – commonly afflicting overweight individuals – the consequences can be devastating for other TN motorists. If you have suffered injuries in a serious 
