Driving a tractor-trailer is distinctively different than sitting behind the steering wheel of a car, pickup or SUV. Consequently, whether you make short trips or long-haul treks, you may be at increased risk of developing a repetitive strain injury.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that roughly two million workers suffer repetitive strain injuries every single year. If you work as a truck driver, the necessary movements you must make may result in an eventual repetitive strain injury.
HANDLING THE STEERING WHEEL
When you drive, you must constantly fight against the pitch of the road. You also must maneuver through traffic, around turns and into bays. Regrettably, simply by handling the steering wheel normally, you may develop carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis or another repetitive strain injury.
TURNING YOUR HEAD AND NECK
Your truck’s mirrors help you see objects behind and around the vehicle. Still, whether you are changing lanes, parking or backing up, you regularly turn your head and neck in the same or similar ways. Over time, these repetitive motions can injure your spine, muscles, tendons and joints.
DEPRESSING THE GAS, BRAKE AND CLUTCH PEDALS
When you drive, you regularly switch between the gas, brake and clutch pedals. While hands, arms and necks are common places for repetitive strain injuries to occur, repeat motions can also damage your feet, ankles and legs.
Even though you are probably eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for any repetitive strain injury at work, you may experience the sort of pain, numbness and tingling that make driving a commercial vehicle virtually impossible.