Essential Guide to Sun Protection for Truck Drivers

Truck driving can be a tough job - long hours spent sitting in a cab with no escape from the sun’s blaring, potentially damaging rays. Because of this, truckers must be particularly mindful of how to keep their skin safe from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. Not only can skin cancer result from too much exposure to UV radiation, but chronic inflammation and injury can occur if proper sun protection is not taken.

To start, let’s examine the science behind why exactly sun protection is so critical for truckers. UV radiation is divided into two categories: UVA and UVB. UVA is linked to the aging of the skin, such as wrinkles, sun spots, and a leathery appearance. While UVA is more commonly associated with wrinkles, UVB rays are more directly tied to skin cancer.

Truck Driver's face, right side (very little sun) vs. left side of face (exposed daily to sun while driving)

Being prone to long hours in direct sunlight, truckers must pay special attention to UVB exposure to minimize the chance of skin cancer due to tanning. While tans may appear healthy, they are an indication of skin damage. If the skin tans or burns, it has been damaged by UV radiation. Therefore, if a truck driver's primary motive is safety, it is clear that their goal should be to

avoid tans (and burns!) altogether.

Heat exhaustion is another serious issue truck drivers face. Without proper protection, truckers become susceptible to the harsh rays of the sun and can easily suffer from dehydration and heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, muscle cramps, and fatigue, which can affect the truck driver’s ability to stay alert and drive safely.

What should truckers do to protect themselves then? The first step should be to bring plenty of hats and sunglasses to create a physical barrier between your face and the sun.

Use a hat and sunglasses to create a physical barrier

Hats should be loose enough to allow ventilation without restricting your vision, and sunglasses should block both UVA and UVB rays and fit snugly to the face to cover your eyes. Secondly, sunscreen should also be part of any planned protection. Sunscreen can come in several forms, including creams, sprays, makeup, and even lotions designed specifically for athletes that involve the use of waterproofing agents.

While hats and sunscreen should be a trucker’s mainstay, park under shade if it’s available, and when possible, wear light and breathable clothing. This can be the best defense against both UVA and UV

Overall, it is important for truck drivers to be aware of the dangers the sun can pose and to take appropriate measures to protect themselves. Truckers can reduce the risk of skin damage and heat exhaustion with the proper sun protection and vigilance. Always remember to put your health and safety first to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.