Did you know Foley's safety calendar updates you on the latest industry events?
Let’s review what new safety events and DOT compliance requirements are coming up for the month of February. Plus, get a few details about a BIG upcoming Foley announcement!
American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month and a perfect time for motor carriers to promote awareness of heart and cardiovascular disease in relation to truck driver health.
It’s no surprise that truck drivers are at high risk for heart disease. Higher rates of smoking, poor diet, lack of physical exercise, irregular sleep, and stress are major risk factors for heart disease and strokes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), truck drivers are twice as likely to be obese compared to other US workers. Being obese or overweight can increase the risk of heart health issues.
That said, simple lifestyle changes, both at home and on the road, can make a big difference in truck driver health conditions. Here are some suggestions to pass on to your drivers:
- Exercise. Encourage drivers to do simple exercises for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day, especially before driving or during breaks. Start slowly and focus on getting a total of 12 minutes or more of stretching, squatting, or fast walking.
- Offer drivers aids to help them quit smoking. Even something as simple as smoking cessation audios can help reduce nicotine cravings.
- Encourage your drivers to cook in their trucks or bring homemade meals along with them on the road rather than stopping for fast food. Also, consider distributing handouts that list healthy food choices and their nutritional value and calorie counts.
- Teaching drivers about the importance of power naps and sleep hygiene is crucial. Poor sleep is related to weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and dementia. Drivers can black out their cabins, turn off all electronics an hour before bedtime, and even use relaxation or meditation apps for sound sleep.
- Stress. If motor carriers implement these supportive strategies to promote heart health among their drivers, a reduction of stress will likely follow.
Having a healthy fleet is a vital step toward having a happy one, too. Check out our other Foley articles related to truck driver health:
- How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical Exam
- How to Handle Substance Use Disorder in the Workplace
- Driver Fatigue & the CVSA’s Plan to Combat it
Register for Upcoming Safety Events
Now that we’ve covered the major monthly event on our safety calendar, here are the annual conferences and organizational meets that will take place this month around the country:
- Winter National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) Conference
- American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA)’s Annual Convention & Traffic Expo
- Super Bowl LVIII
- Specialized Transportation Symposium
Find out what these events will entail below.
Winter National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) Conference
Join high-level leadership from federal agencies, members of Congress, and active sheriffs to discuss current legislation and trending technologies at the Winter National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) Conference February 3-6 in Washington, D.C.
American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA)’s Annual Convention & Traffic Expo
In an initiative to advance roadway safety, the ATTSA’s annual event will be held on February 2-6 in San Diego, CA. There will be nearly 50 educational sessions covering a variety of relevant topics, including modernizing teen driver work zone safety, digital traffic sign printing, creating a strong safety culture, and many more that would benefit anyone in the road work or transportation spaces.
Super Bowl LVIII
The 2024 Super Bowl premiers on February 11. Each year, the Super Bowl garners millions of viewers, many of whom like to cheer on their favorite team by partying, celebrating, and drinking.
To help keep everyone safe on the roads, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with State and local highway traffic safety advocates and organizations to remind football enthusiasts: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. Do what you can to spread the word and be safe!
Specialized Transportation Symposium
Safety will be a major topic, along with regulations, compliance, and other pressing issues at the Specialized Transportation Symposium from February 20-22 in Houston, TX. Each year, this symposium brings together the industry’s foremost specialized transportation professionals and government officials to discuss some of the most critical topics in specialized transportation today. There will be education sessions and first-rate speakers in addition to an exhibit arena with 60 booths.
Every Month: NEW Foley Webinars
Keep an eye out for other compliance events, such as Foley’s regularly scheduled webinars, to stay up to date on the latest compliance news and recommendations. Have a question or need help with your DOT compliance now? Don’t hesitate to contact our experts!
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