For long-haul trucking professionals, finding time to stop and eat can sometimes be an issue. Schedules have to be kept and sometimes sacrificing a sit-down meal may be the only option to save time. But when time does allow for a meal and a break, it’s easy to head into the truck stop or a nearby diner and go for something easy and probably unhealthy.
In fact, eating healthy on the road can be tough for truck drivers, leading to major concerns in the health field. Approximately 33% of Americans classify as overweight, but nearly 86% of the 3.2 million trucking professionals on the road fall under that category. That’s why it’s important for truck drivers to be diligent about not only what they’re eating, but how they’re preparing meals. Cooking safety on the road is important and should be practiced. Here are some ideas on how to follow that.
Healthy Eating Ideas
If you’re in a hurry on the road, setting aside time to eat healthy may be hard to come by. The lure of fast food or truck stop snacking can be strong, which can take a toll on your bank account and your health. But taking small steps to eat more consciously while on the road can make a big difference in those areas.
Have a well-stocked cab with healthy snacks to minimize the need to grab fast food on the go. When hunger settles in, healthy eating items like fruit, granola bars, nuts, and individual snack packs like peanut butter and crackers can help to keep things light and easy. If your cab has a portable refrigerator, try packing Greek yogurt, vegetables, and string cheese inside.
Cooking Safety and Storage
Fortunately, trucking professionals have plenty of options to keep food preparation safe while on the road. Mini-appliances can fit inside a sleeper cab and run off batteries. Drinks can be kept cool with a 12-V cooler during warmer months, microwaves can warm up meals, and coffee makers can be stored for early morning cups of coffee. Altogether, these items can help to cut down on costs.
For more intricate meals, slow cookers can be utilized, creating homecooked meals away from home. But while slow cooker meals can take a little more care to prepare, they can be made easily, even while behind the wheel.
Truck drivers should stay away from using a propane stove inside their cab as carbon monoxide can fill the air and cause major health problems. Also, electric frying pans can be used, but along with small grills during overnight breaks and afternoon stops.
What you have to be aware of is keeping away from open flames as well as any gases on the inside of your cab. Have the urge to grill? This can only be done outside, of course, and when you have time to make a stop and enjoy time preparing and cooking.
Insuring Drivers’ Safety
Trucking companies should enforce specific and strict safety guidelines for their employees. Truck insurance can help to protect truck companies in the event of an accident, even those including food-related injuries. While things like overeating and weight issues can’t be covered, injuries related to cooking preparation may be brought up as claims. It’s important for drivers to follow installed guidelines to ensure their safety.
About Western Truck Insurance Services
Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates and coverage changes.