How do our health and wellbeing affect our driving behavior and what are the potential risks?

October 7, 2020

We should all be able to identify the high risks (overweight, chain smoker, diabetic, high/low blood pressure, cholesterol, unhealthy eating habits) and understand the dangers that could present while driving.

Understand or know the symptoms when they present that could have a negative impact on safe driving behaviour (uncomfortable chest, arm, neck, shoulder pain).

Understand the triggers that could result in uncontrolled medical conditions presenting themselves (Road rage, frustration, anger, fatigue, low blood sugar).

What to do if a serious medical condition presents while driving a heavy-duty vehicle

Ease off the accelerator and start braking
Try and stop the vehicle in a safe place as fast as practical ( if not safe to do so, stop in the dedicated lane)
Engage handbrake
Place gears in neutral
Engage hazards
Attract attention for help
Try keeping calm as far as possible
Don’t try and climb out of the vehicle, stay in the cab
If possible phone for help or assistance

Sean Gray

NOSA

Medical Incidents and Road Crashes – Driver of the truck reportedly had a heart attack https://t.co/WB9qoWCJfY #ArriveAlive @NOSATraining @TruckAndFreight pic.twitter.com/wKfOoPVsVj

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 7, 2020