Truck Driver Tips: Protecting Your Skin This Summer

It’s summertime and the heat is really turning up out there on the road. This is the kind of weather that makes it tempting to roll down the window and catch some fresh air and sun while en route. Surely you have your favorite pair of sunglasses ready to keep your eyes shielded from the bright rays, but have you considered protecting your skin? Although it may seem a bit silly at first, it’s actually quite important that you take measures to protect your skin while driving. Don’t believe us? Then keep on reading!

Probably all of us have had what we call “driver’s arm” before. You know that moment when you look in the mirror and notice that your left arm is darker than your right? All that time letting your arm rest outside the window can take a toll on your skin, and can be more serious than looking a little lopsided.

A few years ago, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology took a look back at records of over 1,000 people who had been referred to a local skin cancer clinic near St. Louis. Guess what they found? Well, it turns out that people who reported spending the most time driving were more likely to get skin cancer on the left side of their faces and their bodies than those who drove less. In fact, of the patients that ended up with the deadliest form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, nearly three quarters of their cancerous tumors were found on the left sides of the bodies. These results were echoed by a similar study by the National Cancer Institute. This means truck drivers should take measures to protect their skin!

Yes, truck-driving professionals shouldn’t forget to look out for their skin, even if they’re spending most of the time in the cab. Luckily, it’s not too hard to protect yourself. Just throw on some sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 on your face, neck and exposed arms before you hit the road. Consider tossing a hat on if you’re heading in and out of your truck a good bit, as well.

It only takes a few seconds to protect your skin and makes a big difference in your health (not to mention it keeps those wrinkles away!) We hope you’ll take this info into consideration and keep on trucking safe for the long haul!

Looking for a better place to spend your career on the road? Check out Smith Transport. Smith Transport is an elite fleet with great pay and top-of-the-line equipment. It’s a place where you can develop personal relationships with colleagues rather than being “just a number.” You’ll love it here!

Contact us today at 866-265-3718 or smith-recruiting@smithtransport.com or apply now. Don’t forget to follow Smith Transport on Facebook and Twitter!