Drivers are exposed to whole-body vibration, diesel exhaust, and noise while keeping themselves in a combat-like state of vigilance in order to deal with threatening passengers and crazy motorists. The report found that drivers are prone to increased blood pressure and higher levels of stress hormones - factors that contribute to sickness and death from heart and blood vessel problems. "Further, cardiovascular mortality rates are directly linked to years of service as a driver." "Epidemiological data from samples in several different countries consistently find urban bus drivers among the most unhealthy of occupational groups, particularly with respect to cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal disorders," researchers reported. Urban bus drivers experience higher than average rates of cardiovascular disease, according to the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology in 1998. "The job kills you over time."įifty years of research throughout the world supports Zook's observation. "The fact of the matter is, we die young," said Zook, now president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 192. Urban bus driving is a good living, Zook reflected drily at a recent interview at her office in Oakland, California, but it may well lead to a short life. The job's day-to-day stresses on her body and nerves had built up over the years and emerged in clenched muscles and crying jags.
Squeezing a 20-ton machine through city streets rife with traffic jams, potholes, road construction, jaywalkers, bike messengers, double-parked trucks, and often heedless motorists had taken its toll. But after 10 years behind the wheel, Zook hit the wall. There was much about the job that she loved, especially the economic rewards - decent pay, good family medical benefits, and a great pension. Zook used to drive a bus for an urban transit district in Northern California. Her scrunched-up shoulders and urge to weep when she got to work told Christine Zook all she needed to know about her future as a bus driver. Editors and writers make all efforts to clarify any financial ties behind the studies on which we report. All of our articles are chosen independent of any financial interests. HeathDay is committed to maintaining the highest possible levels of impartial editorial standards in the content that we present on our website. Any known potential conflicts of interest associated with a study or source are made clear to the reader.Įditorial and Fact-Checking Policy for more detail.Įditorial and Fact-Checking Policy HealthDay Editorial Commitment.Each article includes a link or reference to the original source.Peer-reviewed journals or issued from independent and respected medical associations, academic groups and governmental organizations.
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