Trucking Insurance Industry Journal The Roemer Report: Trucker Life Expectancy 10-15 Years Less Than Average American Male

March 2008 edition of The Roemer Report notes creative methods of exercise used by some truckers to improve fitness.

March 11, 2008, Toledo, OH…The March 2008 edition of trucking insurance industry journal, The Roemer Report, discusses the results of a new study by Toronto researcher, Dr. Martin Moore-Ede. Dr. Moore-Ede found that truck drivers have a 10- to 15-year lower life expectancy than the average American male who lives to age 76. The study may serve as a wake up call for truckers whose lifestyle, with its stressful conditions, meals on the go, and lack of exercise contributes to the lower life expectancy. Some truckers are incorporating creative ways to exercise in attempts to improve fitness.

The Roemer Report is a monthly digest of news for the trucking industry read by fleet operators, owner-operators, and allied personnel. Often referred to as the “Kiplinger Letter of the Trucking Industry“, the report has been published by Roemer Insurance for more than 30 years. The publication is distributed free of charge in both print and electronic formats and is archived on the Roemer Insurance website and Insure My Rig (www.insuremyrig.com/roemerreport.htm), the small fleet division of Roemer Insurance.

The current edition of The Roemer Report notes that the number of heavy trucks involved in fatal accidents is at its lowest since the U.S. Department of Transportation began tracking those statistics in 1975. Safety figures have improved despite the growing number of vehicles on U.S. roadways. According to the FHWA, there were nearly 3 million more registered trucks and cars in 2006 than in the previous year.

The fact that state agencies are getting serious about tightening trucking laws is also addressed in the March 2008 edition. Pennsylvania is considering legislations that would limit truck idling and North Carolina is tightening enforcement of its ban on 53-foot trailers. Many states had disbanded their trucking regulatory agencies but this appears to be changing.

According to The Roemer Report The U.S. Secretary of Transportation has said the Bush administration’s $68 billion budget for transportation will help fund safety programs and congestion relief programs. The budget focuses on identifying and implementing new ways to fight gridlock on the nation’s roads and in the air. However, Stephen E. Sandherr, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America, says the Bush budget fails to meet the six-year spending commitments under SAFETEA-LU, because the budget would slash $1.8 billion from the highway program, $200 million from the transit program, and $750 million from the airport program.

Other topics addressed in the March edition include a report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that finds that speed cameras cause most drivers to slow down when they suspect a camera is nearby. Speed cameras measure how fast vehicles are going and take pictures of the license plates of speeding cars and trucks. Also discussed are proposed methods of easing chronic gridlock and pollution in New York City.

To receive the Roemer Report by email or download earlier editions visit www.roemer-insurance.com/transportation/transportation_romerreport_current.htm.

About Roemer Insurance
Established in 1934 by trucking insurance pioneer, Wellington F. “Dud” Roemer,
Roemer Insurance is a third-generation family owned and operated insurance and risk-management firm. Roemer Insurance is a Toledo-area leader in employee health and benefit package plans, with an emphasis on workplace wellness, strong community ties and active participation in business and charitable organizations. Roemer Insurance specializes in trucking insurance packages for large and small fleets. Its Health Life Benefits division offers group and personal coverage. Committed to technology and sound insurance practices, Roemer Insurance continues to set the standard in risk management and customer service. Roemer Insurance is a member of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America and The Professional Insurance Association. For more information, visit www.roemer-insurance.com or call 419.475.5151.

Permission to Reprint:
Journalists, newsletter publishers, bloggers and others: You may reprint any part of The Roemer Report or the report in its entirety as long as you credit The Roemer Report as your source. Call 419.475.5151 with any questions.