A study that attempted to warn of high-risk behavior that could expose long-haul truckers to the human immunodificiency virus drew protests and stormy reaction from many readers, including those who make their living at truck stops.
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Following the report of the study in the May 15 edition of Transport Topics, several sectors within the industry weighed in with their evaluations of the controversial research by the University of Florida. They blasted the findings as incomplete, biased and not consistent with the typical trucking experience.
The study claimed that certain behavior patterns, “such as sleep deprivation, driving long hours and alcohol, cigarette and caffeine use” are high on the list of factors leading to an increased risk of HIV infection for long-haul truckers.
The study also suggested that ever-increasing delivery demands lead to drug and alcohol use and high-risk sexual behavior among over-the-road drivers.
For the full story, see the June 12 print edition of Transport Topics. .
