Back in the day, I’m fairly certain that Ergonomics was not in the vocabulary or in the minds of truck drivers. Basically, the word Ergonomics means the scientific study of people and their working conditions, especially done to improve effectiveness. Back in the day you just got in the seat of the truck and drove your load to where it was going. As fast as possible and no one paid attention to their back, posture, or how they were sitting.

The word Ergonomics means the scientific study of people and their working conditions, especially done to improve effectiveness. All truck drivers need to find ways to make their truck seats more comfortable. The seats need to promote healthy driving posture this helps prevent back problems, from muscle spasms to disc herniation.

There needs to be enough cushion under you to prevent your butt from getting numb or painful. Circulation is also vital because drivers develop skin rashes and discomfort from overheating. It’s important that if you develop a rash you need to treat it as soon as possible, especially for your health and overall comfort. Luckily truck stops now carry more products for truckers well being! Diaper rash cream isn’t just for babies anymore!

Each driver also has a different body stature, with different leg lengths and torso measurements, so fit is very important. Your body weight is resting on your bottom for hours, and many trucks don’t provide much in the way of seat cushioning. Using an ergonomic cushion made of memory foam, gels, or a combination of the two to distribute your body weight evenly, soften the ride, and protect your spine. While driving your back should be in an S position to prevent injuries, aches, and pains. There are cushions available that attach to the upper seat or headrest, but many drivers have small pillows or cushions they use on and off to give their upper back, neck, or shoulders a break.

Adjusting your steering wheel for your height is also important. The right height makes it easier to grip the wheel without getting tired and putting strain on shoulders and necks and your legs should be at about a 120-degree angle and your feet should comfortably reach the pedals for maximum comfort.

Seatbelts are often the last thing we think about because often people think that they are uncomfortable but some small adjustments can make them feel invisible as well, Drivers can customize their seatbelts. If standard seatbelts don’t hit you where they should because you are very short or very tall, you can order a customized seatbelt. There are aftermarket products you can use to get the belt in the right place. You might also want to add padding inside the strap where it rests against you.

Many therapists can help you find a solution to your back problems and that can help you adjust your seats to make your ride a bit more comfortable.

Here are a few suggestions on seat cushions that could help you be more comfortable while heading down the highway.

1.  ComfiLumba Car Seat Cushion – Has a tapered shape to prevent pressure on your legs and help prevent leg cramps. There’s even a leg extender which gives you 17 inches front to back for larger truck seats.
2. ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion – Has a cooling gel layer on top of the high-density memory foam to provide extra support and keep your bottom cool.
3. Xtreme Comfort Seat Cushion – larger than most other cushions at 19 inches across and 17.5 inches back to front so it’s a great choice for truckers.
4. Purple Seat Cushion – The famous purple grid is oversized for bigger people and stands up to more weight.

No joke! You need to take care of yourself in the summer is so important. Sometimes people forget to cover those Truck seats and pay the price when climbing into the cab of their truck! Don’t underestimate the small things in life; cutting corners and neglecting details can have consequences! Here are some reminders to help you combat the heat during summer:

1. Water Yourself! Just like grass in the summer needs water to look its best, you need to drink enough water to function properly. Whether you use Bougie bottled water, plain bottled water or good old tap water, it’s important to stay hydrated during the summer. If you’re not a fan of plain water, try adding some flavoring or finding other ways to make it more interesting. The benefits of drinking enough water include fewer mid-day headaches, better focus, and improved sleep. Your body will absorb most of your water intake throughout the day, so you won’t be up all night checking your tires.
2. Use good sunscreen! Don’t forget to cover up! Trucker’s Tan Those summer sun rays can be harmful to your skin, so make sure you apply sunscreen to your face and arm.
3. Wear the right clothing! It’s okay to wear shorts and sandals in the summer. You no longer have to wear jeans and work pants all Summer long. However, it’s important to wear appropriate footwear if you’re tarping or un-tarping.
4. Get enough rest! Use your 10-hour breaks wisely. Put down your phone or tablet and give your body a break. If possible, take a quick nap during the day. Power naps are especially helpful during the summer.

Don’t forget to cover up your seat when you jump out of your truck!

Until next time!

This is a reminder that CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week July 9-15, 2023 is in full swing this week.

In 2022 CVSA said the top driver-related factors in fatal crashes involving commercial motor vehicles were speeding, impairment, and distraction (texting). This led to 9,110 crashes last year, and 71 fatalities the most collisions involving the large trucks. The highest amount in more than 10 years, according to a release from
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO).

Just a friendly reminder to all Truck Drivers that there are strict federal rules covering how many hours a commercial driver can be on the road. Drivers cannot exceed 13 hours and must have 10 hours off-duty time in a day. Eight hours of that off-duty time must be consecutive. Also, in 2019, Transport Canada introduced the requirement for certain drivers who cross provincial or territorial borders to have electronic logging devices for their hours.

Those devices replaced the practice of logging hours by paper and aimed to combat driver fatigue by ensuring log books couldn’t be falsified.

The regulations have been enforced since January 2023, with penalties in Ontario set between $250 and $20,000.

In all circumstances, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Truck Stop Canada(TSC) wants to know!

Let us know where you are! Snap a quick pic and make our day! If you have a moment tell us why your there. Work?, Holiday’s?, Day off?

TSC would like to know who our followers are! How many of you are going to step up and show us where you are?

Have a great day! Until next time!!

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced July 9-15 as this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week. Throughout that week, law enforcement officers in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will be on the lookout for commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in unsafe driving behaviors. Those exhibiting unsafe driving behaviors will be pulled over and given a warning and/or issued a ticket/citation by law enforcement.

Examples of unsafe driver behaviors are speeding; improper lane changes, passing or turns; driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; using a handheld device; failure to wear a seat belt, etc.

Each year, Operation Safe Driver Week focuses on a specific unsafe driving behavior to call attention to the dangers of that behavior. This year, the focus will be on speeding. CVSA has continued to focus on speeding because it remains a persistent problem on our roadways. Speeding increases the frequency and severity of crashes, and unsafe speeds are a well-documented factor in fatalities and injuries.

**The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is an association of state, provincial, and federal officials responsible for the administration and enforcement of motor carrier safety laws in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

If anyone is working, visiting or living in these area’s this summer you need to make a quick stop for a fantastic Lunch, Snack and Supper through the month of July2023

Taco Fest
When: June 16, 2023
Where: Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, 10 Huron Road, Kitchener

Enjoy delicious tacos and craft beer from the best restaurants and breweries in the Waterloo Region while raising support for local charities. It’s a win-win!

London International Food Festival
When: June 23-25, 2023
Where: Victoria Park, London

Explore delicious and diverse dishes from around the world. Enjoy Portuguese, Caribbean, Mexican, Chinese, Serbian, Italian, Polish, Greek food and more

Markham’s Taste of Asia
When: June 23-25, 2023
Where: Kennedy and Steeles, Markham

North America’s largest outdoor Asian festival features amazing Asian food, artisan vendors, performers and more together for a harmonious, multi-day celebration of cuisine and culture.

Summer luscious in Toronto
When: July 7-23, 2023
Where: participating restaurants across Toronto

Join fellow foodie and celebrate the diverse and innovative culinary scene in Canada’s largest city!

Over 200 participating restaurants across Toronto offer special three-course prix fixe menus that represent the essence of their cuisine.

Taste of Lawrence in Scarborough
When: July 7-9, 2023
Where: Scarborough

One of Scarborough’s largest street festivals returns to Lawrence Avenue this summer with a three-day celebration of culture and cuisine from around the world.

Live music, family entertainment and a vast array of street vendors make this an event not to be missed.

Thunder Bay Festival of India
When: July 22, 2023
Where: Marina Park, Thunder Bay

Experience the colors and flavor’s of India this summer during Thunder Bay’s largest celebration of culture, arts, music and mouth-watering vegetarian food.

Bonus: the Festival of Colours takes place July 23.

Toronto Festival of India
When: July 15-16, 2023
Where: Centre Island, Toronto

51st annual Festival of India includes a parade down Yonge Street followed by celebrations, activities and delicious vegetarian food on Centre Island.

Belleville Waterfront & Multicultural Festival
When: July 6-9, 2023
Where: West Zwick’s Park, Belleville

With four stages for entertainment, buskers, arts and crafts, canine watersports and dog shows, plus amazing, multicultural cuisine and local, craft beer, Belleville is a summer staple for festive fun and great food.

Lebanese Food Festival in Ottawa
When: July 19-23, 2023
Where: Ottawa

For thirty years, the Lebanese Food Festival has showcased the best of Middle Eastern food and culture.

Hosted at the St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, the festival features music performances, cooking demonstrations like those at the saj bread booth, carnival rides and plenty of delicious hummus, tabouli, falafel and chicken shawarma.

Festa Italiana in Timmins
When: July 21-23, 2023
Where: Timmins

Hosted by the Porcupine Dante Club, Festa Italiana is celebrating over 70 years with food, music, entertainment and market vendors.

This three-day event lasts the whole weekend, with Party in the Parking Lot on Friday, live traditional music and a gala on Saturday and a street party along Cedar Street on Sunday to cap off this festive celebration of Italian culture.

Let us know of your favorite Summer Food Festival. We would love to hear of all of your favorite summer food!

Coming in August, we will have many new places to tantalize your taste buds with a new list of restaurants and festival’s all over Ontario. Until then!