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Best Seat For Semi-Truck Drivers

Your Guide To The Best Seat For Semi-Truck Drivers

Best Seat For Semi-Truck Drivers

You spend countless hours on the road as a truck driver. It’s essential to have a comfortable seat that supports your body and helps you maintain good posture.

A study has shown that 50.3% of participating truck drivers experienced lower back pain in the month prior to the research. With the right seat, you’ll find yourself less tired and more easily able to concentrate. This is crucial for a safe journey, especially on long-haul trips.

This article will explore the best seat for semi-truck drivers. Let’s help you find the best seat for a semi-truck!

Best Seat For Semi-Truck Drivers: Top 6

1. National Commodore Series Truck Seats

Commadore

Credit: National

National Commodore Series seats are among the best when driving a semi-truck. Long-distance driving can require a lot of focus, especially when the weather is extreme. Here are some tips for driving a semi-truck in winter.

When it comes to maintaining focus on the road, a great seat is an absolute must. This seat provides comfort that can alleviate the aches and pains that come with sitting for hours.

The design of these seats focuses on reducing road vibration. These come with lumbar support, and a BackCycler system. This feature helps improve circulation, prevent muscle strain, and minimize spinal disk pressure and compression.

National Commodore seats provide ample space. These seats have a large ergonomic back and a 23-inch wide seat cushion. You can recline your seat up to 23 degrees. You can also opt for National’s 17-inch armrests. However, these do come at an additional charge.

If you’re looking for custom features, heating, cooling, and massage options are available. There are also a variety of colors and combinations to choose from, helping you keep to your truck’s interior design. As a bonus, these seats come with dual-side cushion map pockets.

Pros

  • 23-inch wide cushion for ample space.
  • BackCycler system to relieve back strain on long drives.
  • Various colors and optional features.
  • Seats can recline up to 23 degrees.

Cons

  • 17-inch armrests are an additional charge.

2. Bose Truck Ride Seat

Bose

Credit: Bose

The Bose Truck Ride Seat is one the most popular choices among truck drivers, and for a good reason. These seats come at a higher price than the National Commodore seats.

Still, if adjustability is crucial to you for your truck seat, the extra cost may be worth it. These Bose semi-truck seats focus on creating an ergonomic experience. There are three switches to adjust the height, upper, and lower back. This function helps to reduce pressure on your back and creates a comfortable experience.

To add to your comfort, you can adjust the overall seat for a soft, firm, or in-between feel. Switching these settings off will create a regular semi-truck seat feel.

Unlike the National Commodore, it does include armrests at no extra cost. The 22-inch wide seat provides ample cushioning. However, the main downfall is the need for heating, ventilation, and massage functions.

As a bonus, this seat protects you from the many uncomfortable bumps you may experience on the road.

Pros

  • Protection from road bumps.
  • Personalized adjustment options.
  • 22-inch wide seat cushion.
  • Armrests are included at no additional cost.

Cons

  • More expensive than others on the market.
  • No ventilation or heating options.

3. Knoedler Truck Seats

Knoedler

Credit: Knoedler

Since, 1946, Knoedler has had a reputation for producing top-tier truck seats. However, these seats are more pricey than others on the market. Knoedler offers a diverse line of semi-truck seats with customizable options. Each option provides adjustability and comfort.

Each chair has a foam cushion designed to increase comfort and support. With built-in lumbar support, these seats help relieve back pain and pressure in the lower back. These also work to combat fatigue and spinal disk compression. These seats are ergonomic and increase circulation and focus.

The Knoedler design offers upgrades and customizations to enhance your road journeys. For example, you can choose different colors and material options. You may also be interested in massage, heating, and cooling add-ons.

Cushions come in sizes ranging from 20.5 to 23 inches, providing ample space for you. You can order your new seat and preferred cushion foam for ultimate comfort. You can add on single or dual armrests at an additional cost. Unfortunately, more extended armrests aren’t available for order, which may be uncomfortable for some drivers.

Pros

  • Customizable to driver’s preferences.
  • Built-in lumbar support.
  • Relieves driver fatigue and boosts concentration.

Cons

  • More expensive than others on the market.
  • Armrests aren’t available in extended sizes.

4. Bostrom Talladega T-Series

Bostrom

Credit: Bostrom Seating

Bostrom T-series seats are an excellent choice for truck drivers looking for a comfortable and supportive seating option. Relative to other options on the market, these are budget-friendly. They are built with a sturdy, heavy-duty steel frame, which makes them a durable choice.

These seats are fitted with an ergonomic manual Flex Support System and an adjustable headrest. This helps to reduce back soreness, stiffness, and lumbar compression. It also helps to keep any changes in seat position, tilt, and height from affecting your lumbar support.

These seats feature contoured cushions that help to reduce fatigue and improve concentration, making you less likely to get distracted. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for extendable seat cushions, Bostrom won’t be able to assist you.

The Bostrom brand boasts many upgrades and add-ons, including armrests, that give you the ultimate seat for your truck driving experience. These seats are a stylish option for almost any semi-truck, regardless of size.

Pros

  • Affordable.
  • Optional add-ons and upgrades to suit every driver’s needs.
  • Manual lumbar support function.
  • Stylish.

Cons

  • Armrests are an extra cost.
  • No extended cushions available.

5. Legacy Lo Seat

Legacy Lo

Credit: Seats Inc.

Legacy Lo Seats are high-quality seats designed for truck drivers looking to sit lower in their trucks. The material used is a standout feature that’s both durable and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for long-haul trips. These seats come with spacious cushions and are made with high-quality materials.

With adjustable features, such as fully-reclining high backs and air lumbar support, you’ll reduce back strain and muscle soreness in no time. Increased blood flow is also an advantage of choosing this seat.

The Legacy Lo Seats have a built-in air suspension system that helps absorb shocks and vibrations, providing extra comfort on your trips. In return, you’ll start seeing a difference in your fatigue and concentration levels!

If you prefer to have extra-long armrests, then you’re in luck. Extended armrests are also available. These are easy to adjust to your preference. However, these come at an additional cost to this more affordable driver’s seat.

Pros

  • Built-in suspension.
  • Affordable.
  • Spacious cushion.
  • Full-reclining seat.

Cons

  • Additional fee to upgrade to extended armrests.

6. Sears Seating Atlas II DLX

Sears seating

Credit: Sears Seating

Sears Seating is a well-known company that produces high-quality seats for heavy-duty commercial trucks. The Sears Seating Atlas II DLX design is for class 8 trucks.

This seat keeps the natural shape of the spine. An adjustable headrest and high back help with neck stiffness and tiredness. This durability, and adjustable lumbar support, make this one of the best seats for semi-truck drivers.

If you’re looking for heating, cooling, or massage options, this seat may be the one for you. The optimal heat and massage cushions will help improve circulation and keep your back healthy for many future trips.

Pros

  • Designed for class 8 truck driving jobs.
  • Keeps the natural shape of the spine.
  • Has an adjustable headrest and good lumbar support.
  • Optional heating, cooling, and massage functions.

Cons

  • Armrests are an optional feature for an additional cost.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best seat for your truck driving job is essential for a comfortable ride.

Hopefully, these seat options serve you well! There are many great features and add-ons to look out for. Think about what makes a journey comfortable for you, and make a purchase that will benefit you in the long run!

Having a great seat can make all the difference in focus and comfort. If you’re unsure how to finance your semi-truck, consider Mission Financial Services for top-tier quality. You can read more about the quality of service offered in this article on commercial truck financing reviews.

Semi Truck Driver Gifts

Top 11 Gifts For Semi Truck Drivers

Semi Truck Driver Gifts

Do you know a semi-truck driver celebrating a special occasion? Perhaps you’re looking for a great birthday gift, or a Christmas gift. Well, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve curated a list of the top 11 gifts for truck drivers to help you find the perfect one. We’ve also included tips on selecting and personalizing the best gifts for truck divers.

These perfect gift ideas are sure to be appreciated, and will make any truck feel like a home away from home! Take a peek at this list for some top-tier gifts for the semi-truck drivers in your life.

Semi-Truck Driver Gifts That Go The Extra Mile

Our gift recommendations go the extra mile to improve the lifestyle of your trucker friends or loved ones. We’ve considered common factors that most truck drivers prioritize in their day-to-day endeavors. Some of these factors include safety, comfort, health, and efficiency.

Safety Promoting Gifts

Safety first!

This is a rule that all stakeholders in the trucking industry follow. For truck drivers, it is a guiding principle as they spend most of their time on the road. Do you want to help your favorite truck driver stay safe when traveling? Consider some gifts that can enhance their safety on the roads.

1. Hands-free Devices

Hands-free electronic devices help truckers keep their eyes glued to the road. This is essential for truckers to abide by all road safety rules and regulations. For this reason, they are our top pick for the best semi-truck driver gifts!

Wireless products

These devices help to avoid distracted driving – one of the leading causes of road fatalities. Consider a hands-free driving display that reflects critical navigation directions from a trucker’s phone onto a transparent surface. This allows drivers to see where they’re going while focusing on the road.

The best driving display devices come with high-quality non-slip materials to prevent them from sliding down. Make sure to purchase a driving display that can fit on your trucker’s instrument panel properly.

Other great gifts for truck drivers are hands-free wireless headsets. These gadgets enable your favorite truckers to do their job and stay in touch with their customers or friends.

You can also purchase a sturdy phone mount and wireless phone charger. These are regular items that most truckers require if they use their phones for E-logs or other crucial functions.

Ensure you get the best phone mounts to withstand frequent open-road traveling. These can absorb road vibrations that come with long-distance travel.

Most phone mounts are compatible with different types of phones. But, it’s always a good idea to ensure that the one you purchase as a gift works well with the phone you’re buying it for.

2. Anti-Sleep Alarms

Long-distance trucking comes with the risk of falling asleep while driving. This is dangerous for the trucker and other road users. You can minimize this risk and keep drivers safe by gifting them an anti-sleep alarm.

Man yawning

This alarm detects fatigue and drowsiness before it becomes dangerous and alerts the driver to stop and rest. It’s a life-saving gift that shows you care for the safety of your favorite truckers and think of them often! Learn more about staying safe behind the wheel to help the truckers in your life remain safe on the road.

3. Headlamps

You can never go wrong with headlamps as gifts for truck drivers. These are budget-friendly and can make routines under low-light settings easier and safer.

Consider an LED headlamp that has an adjustable beam and band. These shine brighter and fit comfortably around the head. You can customize this gift further by getting your trucker’s name, initials, or a personal message added to the band. Be as creative as you can with the messaging. It goes a long way to show your loved one that you appreciate them.

Gifts To Increase Comfort

The average over-the-road (OTR) trucker spends around 300 days on the open road yearly. That’s more than half of the year spent in transit!

Getting truck drivers gifts that increase their comfort on the road can make their entire year more enjoyable. A few items to choose from include those below.

4. Roll-up Memory Foam Mattress

Proper sleep is crucial for truck drivers to operate safely and efficiently. The roll-up foam mattress lets truckers experience the comfort of sleeping in their bed at home while on the road.

These are designed with a truck driver’s lifestyle in mind and can fit into most truck sleeper berths. Other gifts that can help drivers have a good night’s sleep include:

Pillows

  • Electric heated throw blankets: Heated blankets make long, cold nights comfortable by providing enough warmth the whole night. Consider one with different heat settings and an auto shut-off. This way, your favorite trucker can adjust the warmth according to their preference.
  • Pillows: Headrests are a great gift idea for a truck driver. The perfect ones for truckers come with specialized technology that adapts to one’s body to provide a comfortable, unmatched sleep experience.
    You can also get a seat pillow or ergonomic seat cushion for your favorite trucker.

5. Gloves & Warm Socks

Gloves are the perfect gift for a long-distance truck driver. These protect hands from rough working conditions. Two types of gloves make perfect semi-truck driver gifts! These are driving gloves and hardy working gloves. Driving gloves protect truckers’ hands whenever the steering wheel gets too hot or cold.

On the other hand, hardy working gloves protect your loved one’s hands when performing other duties such as loading and offloading goods.

Warm socks are great gifts that go well with gloves. However, if your truck driver drives a commercial vehicle for long distances, compression socks are the ideal present. These prevent pain. They also prevent blood clots from forming in one’s legs due to sitting behind the wheel for prolonged periods.

Functional compression socks are durable and have anti-itch technology. Look out for these features when purchasing this item as a gift for truckers. You want to get the truckers in your life the best compression socks that are medically proven to work.

compression socks

Gifts to Promote Semi-truck Driver Health

Apart from compression socks, you can get several other semi-truck driver gifts to help OTR truckers stay healthy while traveling.

Most of these items cater to the different health needs of truckers. Below are essential semi-truck driver gifts for health maintenance.

6. Polarized Sunglasses

Long hours on the road lead to increased exposure to direct sunlight. This can be harmful to one’s eyes and can cause permanent eye damage.

Help truckers keep their eyes healthy by buying them a good pair of polarized sunglasses. These minimize eye strain and prevent eye fatigue. This gift can also promote the driver’s visibility on the road. Your trucker friend won’t struggle to see through the glare.

7. Insulated Tumbler for Driving

Hydration is vital for the body to function properly. For any truck driver, water is important! An insulated tumbler designed for long-haul truck driving will ensure your trucker remains hydrated. This also means that they won’t need to stop for frequent sips!

The insulation helps keep water cold and coffee hot. You can customize this gift with personal messages like ‘best trucker in the world’. Who wouldn’t love that? Consider purchasing a cup holder to accompany this gift. Most cup holders are compatible with various insulated tumblers.

8. Portable Oven

Many truck drivers prefer having unhealthy, quick snacks or fast food on the go. But, this puts them at risk of various lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

healthy meal

Data from the CDC shows truckers have higher rates of getting these lifestyle diseases than average U.S. adult workers. Truckers’ health challenges are largely due to their unhealthy eating habits.

A portable oven can help them eat better and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is one of the most practical and thoughtful gifts for truckers. This can also help your loved ones save money. They can prepare and enjoy a nutritious hot meal instead of buying food from restaurants.

Other great additional semi-truck driver gifts that are practical, like an oven, include:

  • A mini refrigerator is an excellent gift that lets truckers enjoy chilled drinks on hot days.
  • An electric lunch box helps to keep healthy, cooked food warm.
  • Portable coffee makers allow for fresh, hot coffee on the go.

All of these semi-truck gift ideas go a long way to ensure that your trucker friends can carry the comforts of home on the road. Gifts that help truckers to live a better life in transit are the best gifts out there!

Gifts To Make Truckers’ Lives Easier

Truck drivers appreciate items and tools that can make their lives easier. These can be anything that helps them carry out their day-to-day activities effectively.

Think about the trips that truckers make, and the duties they need to perform during these trips. Anything that can make these trips, or routines, easier – it’s a win!

Old trucker

Simple items like a bottle opener or trucker cap fit the bill. Here are a few more ideas to get you started.

9. Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards are a unique gift! These make it easy for truck drivers to purchase items during their trips. These cards are also safer to carry around in comparison to cash.

10. Organizational Items

Any item that helps truck drivers save space and keep their trucks organized is a great gift. Such items make most truckers’ days go more smoothly! A good example is a seat organizer mounted on the passenger seat.

This is the best compact storage station for a trucker, providing enough space for storing required work-related items such as the following:

  • A computer or other gadgets.
  • Clipboards.
  • Registration information.

You can also get a portable clipboard case to help truck drivers organize all their paperwork in one area. These have filing pockets for different types of papers and pens, which makes handling paperwork stress-free.

Other Must-Have Items That Make Perfect Gifts

The roads are unpredictable and accidents can happen at any time. Each truck driver should have a first aid kit handy. These can save lives!

11. First-Aid Kit

An all-purpose first-aid kit is a thoughtful gift for truck drivers. It’s a must-have item that’ll help them handle any emergencies on the road promptly. These kits can also be of assistance for common issues like headaches, minor body aches, pains, or sore muscles.

first aid kit

Another item truckers should have is an extractor. This is a lifesaving multi-tool consisting of a laser-sharp blade and a glass-breaking tack.

Like the kit, extractors can come in handy during emergencies. The blade can cut any seat belt, and the tack shatters windows fast. It’s a simple yet critical tool that all truck drivers should have.

Final Thoughts

The right gift can change the life of any truck driver. It can make long hours on the road safer, more manageable, and more comfortable.

We’ve given you a list of the most practical gifts that your truck driver friends will find helpful each day. Hopefully, you’re feeling inspired!

Remember to add a personal touch to any gift you give. You can do this by engraving personal messages on items or adding a handwritten letter with each gift.
Are you looking for a specific gift? Check out this article on fathers’ day gifts for truckers.

5 Ways Women in Trucking Can Avoid Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! We celebrate this month by sharing information regarding the prevention of breast cancer to eradicate this dreadful disease that affects one in eight women. But could women in trucking face even greater risk? According to Dr. John McElligott, co-founder and volunteer medical advisor of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, women truck drivers “don’t have as much access to healthcare with their lives on the road,” which could jeopardize early detection of breast cancer.

While the breast cancer mortality rate has decreased by 40%, the fight continues. In this article, we will go over breast cancer and discuss the top five ways women truck drivers can avoid it.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast and has the potential to spread to other parts of the body. While breast cancer typically occurs entirely in women, men can also be diagnosed.

Breast cancer can start from different parts of the breast, including:

  • Lobules. These are the glands that produce breast milk.
  • Ducts. The small canals come from the lobules and are the most common place for breast cancer to start.
  • Nipples. A less common type of breast cancer, called Paget disease, can often start in the nipples.
  • Fat and connective tissues. These portions of the breast surround the lobules and ducts.
  • Blood vessels and lymph vessels. Angiosarcoma, a less common form of breast cancer, can start in the lining of the vessels.
  • Armpits and upper chest. Lumps can be found in these areas during self-exams.

In most cases, breast lumps are benign and non-cancerous (malignant). However, any detected lumps or changes in your breast need to be checked by a healthcare professional.

While there are certain unavoidable risk factors for getting breast cancer, including your gender, age, personal cancer history, family cancer history/genetics, and breast density, there are some factors that you can change to reduce your risk.

Avoidable risk factors include:

  • Body weight
  • Physical activity
  • Alcohol use
  • Smoking
  • Drug use
  • Exposure to hormones (IVF, HRT, birth control, etc.)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Radiation exposure

Ultimately, the best way to reduce or eliminate your risk of breast cancer is to learn about your health, eliminate negative factors that are within your control, and know your screening options for early detection.

5 Ways Women Truck Drivers Can Avoid Breast Cancer

Simple lifestyle changes can decrease your risk of getting breast cancer, even for women who are considered high-risk. To lower your risk, you should:

  1. Limit alcohol consumption. The more alcohol you drink, the more you put yourself at risk of developing breast cancer. Based on research, the healthy limit for alcohol consumption is no more than one drink a day.
  1. Maintain a healthy weight. If you are at a healthy weight, put in the work to maintain it. There are simple ways you can achieve this goal while on the road, including maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. You can also reduce the number of calories you consume each day and incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.
  1. Incorporate more physical activity. To live in good health, adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. You should also incorporate strength training into your exercise routine at least twice a week.
  1. Eat a balanced diet. Eating a balanced diet on the road can be challenging, but it is possible. A healthy diet will not only reduce your risk of breast cancer, but it will reduce your risk for other types of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Foods to incorporate into your diet include plant-based foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, extra-virgin olive oil, legumes, nuts, and fish.

5. Perform self-exams. The number one way to avoid breast cancer is through routine self-exams. Stay vigilant for changes in your breast, including new lumps or changes in your skin. You should also consult with your doctor on when to begin mammograms and other preventive measures and screenings.

More like this:

Women in the Trucking Industry

5 Ways Truck Drivers Can Avoid Heart Disease

Sleep Apnea: A Growing Concern for Truckers

Top 8 Ways to Celebrate Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Truck drivers have been essential to our nation since the end of the 19th Century. They work tirelessly to transport approximately 10 billion tons of freight every year safely, securely, and on time while also keeping our roads safe. We depend on these unsung heroes to fuel our economy, for without professional truck drivers, our tables, closets, and stores would be empty. 

Every year, we take an entire week to pay respect to and thank the country’s 3.6 million truck drivers for their hard work and dedication to one of our nation’s most demanding jobs. We call this week: National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

America observes National Truck Driver Appreciation Week during the second whole week in September. This year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is from September 11th to the 17th, and we’ve compiled the top eight ways to celebrate.

8 Ways to Celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

1. Take advantage of parts and service deals.

Many companies are offering access to exclusive discounts, including Convoy, through their National Account at Goodyear. You can receive discounts on new tires, retread services, 24/7 roadside assistance, and more. Other companies, including Love’s Travel Stops and Pilot Flying J, will also offer promotional deals during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.

2. Host giveaways all week long.

If you’re a fleet owner and operator, you can celebrate your drivers by hosting daily giveaways for items like iPhones, CB radios, or other things that drivers could find helpful. Daily drawings will keep everyone excited throughout the week. But to build more enthusiasm, why not raffle off a grand prize at the end of the week? A special grand prize could be a weekend getaway for two or a high-value tech item! Now’s the time to be creative (and generous).

3. Give a thoughtful gift.

Are you a family or friend celebrating your favorite truck driver? Do so by giving them a thoughtful gift.

Top-notch gifts for truck drivers include:

  • A new truck mattress
  • A Sirius XM subscription
  • Audiobooks or an Audible account
  • A Bluetooth headset
  • A 12V cooler
  • Their very own merch (shirts, hats, cups, etc.)

Browse other thoughtful gift ideas here.

4. Treat yourself to some lunch.

Some favorite food spots offer discounts to truck drivers on National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, including:

Denny’s – Truck drivers can receive a 10% discount key tag that is good to use at any Denny’s travel center location.

Love’s Travel Stops – Drivers can get a free Hot to Go sandwich or a Fresh to Go salad with an oil change purchase at any Speedco or Love’s Truck Care. Love’s will also offer daily specials on fresh food, snacks, and drinks.

Pilot Flying J – Freight haulers can get daily discounts on food and drinks, like a free drink on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

5. Host a family and friends event.

Truck drivers spend long hours (sometimes even days) on the road and away from those they love. If you’re a fleet owner-operator, you could celebrate your drivers by throwing a family and friends event. This event could be as simple as a backyard barbeque or as fancy as a catered, sit-down dinner. You can incorporate raffle prizes, games, and other festivities into your event or hire vendors like traveling photo booths or local entertainers, giving everyone a chance to mingle and let loose. An appreciation event could also strengthen your relationship with your employees and their loved ones.

If schedules can’t align for an appreciation event, reward your drivers with experience vouchers they can share with their families, such as movie tickets, concerts, sporting events, etc. A gift certificate to a local restaurant would also make a perfect gift to show your appreciation.

6. Write a thank you letter.

Nothing says “I appreciate all you do” like a handwritten thank you card to your favorite driver. Whether you’re an owner-operator, a family member, a friend, or even a fellow driver, a simple card expressing gratitude and admiration goes a long way.

7. Give your favorite driver a radio shout out.

What could be cooler than telling your favorite truck driver how you feel? Maybe their favorite radio host giving them a personalized shoutout! Call one (or all) of your dearest driver’s favorite radio stations and request to give a shoutout. This could make a driver’s week or maybe their entire year.

8. Go beyond the week.

Above all else, the best way to show appreciation for truck drivers is to show your appreciation all year round. And using any of the options listed above are great ways to do just that. After all, I think we can all agree that our nation’s truck drivers deserve more than just a week of special treatment.

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Top 10 Father’s Day Gifts for Truckers

Father’s Day is right around the corner! Have you gotten something for your trucker dad? Well, if you aren’t sure what to get for your truck-driving dad, we have some ideas that will make his life on the road more enjoyable.

Whether your goal is to keep dad comfortable or entertained or just make his life a little more convenient, these gifts are sure to impress. After all, he works hard all-year-long and deserves to be treated extra special on his special day.

Here are our top 10 picks for your favorite truck driver.

1. A Model of His Truck

Truck drivers are incredibly proud of their rigs and the work they put into them. Some even go as far as to customize them with bold paint jobs. So, if your dad’s truck is his pride and joy, then a model of his rig would be the perfect gift. You could even customize your model to feature your dad’s name or go for a replica. Either way, your trucker dad is sure to display his gift with pride.

2. A New Truck Seat

Drivers spend a lot of time on the road. Some can spend up to 12 hours a day or more hauling freight. And with so many hours spent in the same old seat, your dad could experience persistent back pain or chronic leg problems. That said, a new seat could be a nice upgrade for dad. Be sure to choose a seat that is on a suspension system with ergonomic support. A good seat will not only be comfortable, but it will also be good for dad’s health.

3. A Wireless Headset

Truckers rely heavily on their headsets. If your dad’s headset is on the older side, consider upgrading it for Father’s Day. Today’s headsets often have noise-canceling capabilities and crisp, clear sound quality. Some headsets even offer mute capabilities, speed dial, and more.

4. Audio Books

Nothing helps pass the time quite like a good audiobook—gift dad with a subscription to an audiobook site. He can browse through the hundreds of titles and genres and choose what he likes. He can also search through a list of audiobooks where truck drivers share their stories.

5. A GPS

Traveling to an unfamiliar place can be stressful, even more so when hauling a larger rig. Help dad stay on the right path with a trucker-friendly GPS. A GPS specially built for truck drivers offers trucking routes that help commercial drivers navigate complex city streets and new locations.

6. A Thermoelectric Cooler

An iceless cooler is a perfect gift for a trucker who’s always on the go. They keep refrigerator items nice and chilled and are powered by a power cord that plugs directly into the dash. And while they come in a few different sizes, some are large enough to hold up to 44 cans. 

7. A Heavy-Duty Phone Case

Life on the road is filled with tough surfaces and hard knocks. Save your dad from a cracked screen or broken phone by gifting him with a phone case that can keep up with his lifestyle. A heavy-duty phone case can be the difference between your dad having a working, damage-free lifeline.

8. A SiriusXM Radio Subscription

Any truck driver will tell you there’s nothing quite like driving on the open road with your favorite tunes filling your cab. This Father’s Day, give your dad the ultimate music-lover gift, a subscription to SiriusXM Radio. There are over 175 channels to choose from, so your dad is sure to find a station he likes. They also offer several different subscription options so that you won’t break the bank.

9. A Power Inverter

When your dad is on the road, he shouldn’t have to worry about one of his devices being out of juice. A mobile power supply would ensure that all of his devices remained charged and ready to use! Be sure to find one that offers charging options for several different devices and is usable on and off of the truck.

10. A Sentimental Keychain

And finally, if your dad is the type that has it all, a sentimental keychain is sure to be his favorite. Go for one that says “#1 Dad” or “Drive Safe, Dad.” Whatever message you choose, he’ll think of you and how much you care every time he gets on the road.

Any of these items would make for a perfect gift and show your trucker dad just how much you care. And you can bet that any time he uses his gift, he’s sure to think of you and smile.

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The Dangers of Distracted Driving: How You Can Help

Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving

It’s officially Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Throughout the month of April, different organizations unite to help drivers safely reach their destinations by encouraging them to remain focused behind the wheel. According to a recent study by the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA), 3,142 people were fatally injured due to distracted driving. 

Distracted driving affects hundreds of people every single day. And what many people don’t know is how it can impact heavy-duty truck drivers. This Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we encourage you to put down your phone, follow the speed limit, and eliminate distractions. In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about distracted driving and tips on how to eliminate distractions from your daily commute.

Facts about distracted driving

While answering the phone, eating a quick snack, or jamming to your favorite song may seem harmless, they can have critical consequences when done behind the wheel. When studied, researchers found that reading a text message for five seconds while traveling at a speed of 55 mph is equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

Need more reasons to eliminate distractions from your drivetime? 

Here are a few facts about distracted driving:

  • A 2020 study done by the NHTSA found that 7% of all fatal crashes in 2019 were caused by or related to distracted driving.
  • Another NHTSA study found that 8% of fatal crashes, 15% of injury crashes, and 14% of all police-reported traffic accidents were distraction-affected crashes. Overall, approximately 400,000 people were injured, and 2,841 people died.
  • The NHTSA reported that 1 out of every 5 people killed by a distracted driver was not in a vehicle (walking, jogging, biking, etc.) at the time of the accident.
  • The CDC found that drivers between 15 and 19 were more likely to drive distracted than drivers 20 years of age and older. And 9% of all teen drivers who died in vehicular accidents were involved in distraction-affected crashes.
  • According to the IIHS, the fatal crash rate is three times greater for teen drivers.
  • The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that driver distraction is the cause of more than 58% of crashes involving teen drivers.
  • A research study from Cambridge Mobile Telematics showed that distracted driving habits occurred in more than 36% of all trips across the United States.

The risks are even higher when a truck driver is distracted at the wheel. In fact, “distracted truck driving is more likely to result in fatalities than other types of automotive accidents.” This is because the weight and force of heavy-duty vehicles are much greater than that of a standard passenger vehicle, making them more dangerous in the event of a collision. That is why truck drivers must do their part in eliminating distractions from their drive.

3 types of distracted driving

Over the years, experts in traffic safety have classified distractions into three main categories: Cognitive, Manual, and Visual. If you’ve ever been driving and started thinking about a conversation you had earlier that day or your mental to-do list, you’ve had a cognitive distraction. By definition, a cognitive distraction is when your thoughts distract you from the task of driving. A manual distraction is when you remove your hands from the steering wheel. For example, eating a sandwich or rummaging through your bag is considered a manual distraction. A visual distraction happens when your eyes are not on the road. For instance, if you apply makeup or search for something in your vehicle, you are driving while visually distracted. 

Using your phone while driving, including texting or reading messages, combines all three categories of distractions. The University of Utah found that those who use their phones while driving are 5.36 times more likely to get into an accident than undistracted drivers. The university also found that those who text and drive are comparable to people who drive with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08%. For truckers, texting while driving increases your risk of crashing by 23 times, according to Virginia Technical Transportation Institute.

Tips for avoiding distractions

Now that you have all the information about distracted driving, it’s time to help put an end to it. Putting a stop to distracted driving starts with you.

Here are some tips for remaining focused while driving:

  • Don’t eat and drive. Eating will take your hands off the steering wheel and your attention away from driving. If you’re traveling and want a quick bite to eat, find somewhere safe to park and enjoy your break from driving.
  • Put your phone away. Use ‘Do Not Disturb’ or ‘Driving Mode’ to disable incoming messages, calls, and notifications. Placing your phone in your bag or glove box will also help eliminate your temptation to use it. 
  • Just focus. Avoid multitasking by setting your GPS, picking out your music, and making calls or sending texts before you start driving.
  • Keep your music low. Loud music could prevent you from hearing emergency vehicles and CB warnings.
  • Properly secure your belongings. Items falling throughout the vehicle could distract you from the road ahead. Before you take off, secure loose objects and belongings properly.
  • Get plenty of rest. Being tired could cause you to be unalert or fall asleep behind the wheel.

Observe Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Observe Distracted Driving Awareness Month by:

  • Taking the pledge to end distracted driving.
  • Supporting campaigns developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and National Safety Council, as well as state, county, and local law enforcement agencies.

Using the hashtag #DistractedDrivingAwarenessMonth when posting on social media this month.

For more articles about driver safety, click here!

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