Authors: Ahmed M. Elbeshbeshy

Abstract

Driving is a job that requires proper interaction with the vehicle and environmental conditions at the same time. Professional drivers, including taxi, bus, and long-haul truck drivers, experience greater rates of health issues compared to other occupations due to the nature of their occupation. Here, we highlighted and discussed professional driving as an occupational disease. The literature related to the current subject, especially that from Saudi Arabia, was obtained through an online search process. The eligible articles were reviewed and discussed under specific titles to cover our current subject. Due to the sedentary nature of driving occupation and other job characteristics, professional drivers are most exposed to several health-related risks and diseases. Actually, professional driving was found to be associated with physical diseases and psychological conditions, including musculoskeletal diseases, sleep disorders, and depression. Such conditions can put the drivers under increased risk of road traffic accidents. Therefore, the management of RTA requires not only good road construction, but also management of such conditions and diseases related to RTA and caused by driving.

Keywords: Professional driving, occupational disease, Saudi Arabia, musculoskeletal disorders.