A recent study shows nearly 50% of truck drivers sleep less than six hours a night. That’s not enough rest for anyone, let alone someone steering an 80,000-pound commercial semi down a highway.

The report, based on federal health and transportation data, surveyed over 3,000 long-haul and regional drivers between 2019 and 2023. It found that sleep deprivation has risen 6.5% since 2019. 

Truck drivers getting fewer than five hours of sleep are 3X more likely to crash

That’s the same level of impairment as driving drunk at a 0.08 blood alcohol level.

Fatigue now plays a role in one out of every five truck crashes, up from 15% in 2019. And it’s not just physical exhaustion causing problems, Commercial Carrier Journal shared.

The same study uncovered widespread mental health issues. Depression among truck drivers is three times more common than in the general workforce. Over one-third of drivers report feeling severely lonely. Many show clinical signs of burnout. The long hours, high stress, and isolation are taking a heavy toll.

Support for mental health remains scarce. Only 15.4% of truck drivers say they have access to mental health care. Many are left to cope on their own, and it’s showing in dangerous ways.

Substance use is high. Alcohol use was reported at 91%. Amphetamine use came in at 82.5%. These numbers point to self-medication, often to manage stress, fatigue, and untreated mental health problems.

Smoking is also widespread. Another study found that 51% of long-haul truck drivers smoke, compared to just 19% of the general workforce. Smoking links closely to chronic lung conditions like COPD and bronchitis. The CDC points to stress, isolation, and sedentary living as key drivers behind these habits.

There are efforts to address the crisis

Lawmakers introduced the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act to reduce fatigue by improving safe rest access. Existing rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration limit hours behind the wheel, but gaps remain.

Some experts urge trucking companies to do more. Recommendations include creating clear mental health policies, offering confidential counseling, and providing training on fatigue and stress. Employers also need to ensure their truck drivers feel safe speaking up about their mental health.