Susie Jones
Conseils aux conducteurs • 3 min lire

Une vision claire à l'horizon : L'importance des soins oculaires pour les conducteurs de poids lourds

Créée: 18/09/2024

Mise à jour : 18/09/2024

La Semaine nationale de la santé oculaire se déroule du 23 au 29 septembre, et en tant que conducteur de camion, le maintien d'une bonne vision est crucial pour votre travail. Optical Express rapporte que les accidents de la route impliquant des conducteurs malvoyants font environ 2 900 victimes par an.

La conduite d'un camion est une activité physiquement exigeante, mais elle l'est tout autant sur le plan visuel, car elle requiert une vigilance constante et la capacité d'identifier ou de réagir rapidement aux changements de l'état de la route. Une mauvaise vision peut affecter la capacité d'un conducteur à évaluer les distances, à lire les panneaux et à détecter les autres véhicules, réduisant ainsi la sécurité du conducteur et des autres usagers de la route.

Quelles sont les exigences auxquelles doivent satisfaire les conducteurs de poids lourds ?

Les conducteurs doivent passer un D4 Medical Assessment lorsqu'ils demandent un permis de conduire pour poids lourds - tous les cinq ans après 45 ans et tous les ans après 65 ans. Dans le cadre de cet examen médical, les conducteurs de poids lourds doivent subir un examen de la vue effectué par un médecin, un opticien ou un optométriste.

Pour réussir l'examen, les conducteurs doivent avoir une acuité visuelle d'au moins 0,8 (6/7,5) sur l'échelle de Snellen dans leur meilleur œil et d'au moins 0,1 (6/60) dans l'autre.

Les conducteurs de poids lourds du groupe 2 doivent avoir un champ visuel horizontal d'au moins 160 degrés - avec une extension d'au moins 70 degrés à gauche et à droite et de 30 degrés vers le haut et vers le bas. Aucun défaut ne doit être présent dans un rayon de 30 degrés au centre.

A quelle fréquence les conducteurs de poids lourds doivent-ils faire tester leurs yeux ?

Après 45 ans, les conducteurs doivent passer leur examen médical D4 tous les cinq ans et tous les ans après 65 ans. Toutefois, les opticiens recommandent à tous les usagers de la route de passer un examen de la vue au moins tous les deux ans.

Si un conducteur présente les symptômes suivants, il doit immédiatement faire tester ses yeux :

  • Maux de tête

  • Fatigue oculaire

  • Pression derrière les yeux

  • Double vision

  • Difficultés à voir pendant la nuit

  • Halos autour des lumières.

Selon la loi, les employeurs doivent s'assurer que leurs employés sont aptes à conduire - cela peut couvrir plusieurs aspects, mais la vue est l'un d'entre eux. Les employeurs doivent tester la vue de leurs conducteurs tous les six mois en effectuant un contrôle visuel de la plaque d'immatriculation à une distance de 20 mètres.

Que se passe-t-il si j'ai besoin de lunettes ou de lentilles de contact ?

Si un conducteur de poids lourd a besoin de lunettes ou de lentilles de contact pour satisfaire aux exigences minimales en matière de vision, la puissance de ses lunettes ne peut être supérieure à plus de huit dioptries. Pour les lentilles de contact, il n'y a pas de restriction quant à leur puissance.

Comment maintenir une bonne santé oculaire

Le [National Eye Institute] (https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/nei-for-kids/healthy-vision-tips) recommande les mesures suivantes pour maintenir une bonne santé oculaire :

  • Adoptez un régime alimentaire équilibré comprenant des aliments qui favorisent votre vision.

  • Faites de l'exercice régulièrement pour prévenir le diabète et d'autres affections susceptibles d'entraîner des problèmes de vision.

  • Informez un opticien si vous remarquez des changements.

  • Lavez-vous les mains avant de les approcher de vos yeux ou si vous manipulez des lentilles de contact.

  • Protégez vos yeux lorsque vous effectuez des tâches susceptibles de les endommager.

  • Portez des lunettes de soleil qui bloquent 99 % ou 100 % des rayons UVA et UVB.

  • Suivez la règle des 20-20-20 - toutes les 20 minutes, regardez à 20 mètres de distance pendant 20 secondes.

  • Essayez de ne pas fumer - le tabagisme est tout aussi nocif pour vos yeux que pour votre corps.

En quoi les exigences visuelles des poids lourds diffèrent-elles de celles des autres usagers de la route ?

Les normes visuelles auxquelles doivent satisfaire les conducteurs de poids lourds sont plus élevées que celles des autres usagers de la route. Au Royaume-Uni, les conducteurs doivent avoir une acuité visuelle d'au moins 0,5 (6/12) sur l'échelle de Snellen. En outre, les conducteurs doivent être capables de lire à 20 mètres une plaque d'immatriculation fabriquée après le 1er septembre 2001.

La législation britannique sur la vision et la conduite est inférieure à celle de nombreux pays européens.

Comment la vue est-elle testée au Royaume-Uni ?

Par un auto-test de la plaque d'immatriculation à une distance de 20 mètres. Un test d'acuité visuelle/de champ visuel est obligatoire dans les autres pays européens.

Qui fait passer l'examen ?

Au Royaume-Uni, à Chypre, aux Pays-Bas et en Norvège, c'est un examinateur du permis de conduire qui fait passer l'examen. Plusieurs pays européens exigent qu'un optométriste/ophtalmologue/médecin fasse passer l'examen.

Que se passe-t-il après l'obtention du permis de conduire ?

  • Le Royaume-Uni, l'Autriche, la Belgique, la République tchèque, la France, l'Allemagne et la Suède n'exigent aucun autre examen visuel.

  • L'Algérie, l'Estonie, la Hongrie, l'Italie, la Lettonie, l'Espagne et la Turquie exigent une évaluation visuelle tous les dix ans.

  • L'Algérie, l'Estonie, la Finlande, la Grèce, la Hongrie, l'Italie, la Lettonie, le Portugal, la Serbie, l'Espagne et la Turquie exigent des tests visuels à partir de 65 ans.

Quelles sont les affections oculaires qui vous empêchent de conduire ?

Il est essentiel d'informer la DVLA si vous souffrez d'une des affections oculaires suivantes :

  • Blépharospasme

  • Cataractes

  • Rétinopathie diabétique

  • Glaucome

  • Perte de l'œil

  • Dégénérescence maculaire

  • Vision monoculaire

  • Nyctalopie

  • Rétinite pigmentaire

  • Défaut du champ visuel.

Les conducteurs doivent satisfaire aux normes suivantes :

  • Peut lire une plaque d'immatriculation à 20 mètres de distance

  • Pas de vision double

  • Avoir un champ de vision régulier dans au moins un œil.

Si un conducteur n'est pas sûr de satisfaire aux normes visuelles pour la conduite, il doit demander conseil à un médecin généraliste, à un opticien ou à un spécialiste des yeux.

Notre vision est-elle le sens le plus important que nous utilisons pour conduire ?

90% des informations reçues par un conducteur proviennent de sa vision - la plupart des manœuvres étant basées sur le sens de la vue. La vision ne peut être ni remplacée ni complétée et constitue le facteur physique le plus important au volant.

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jeudi 29 août 2024 • Conseils aux conducteurs

LE GUIDE DE LA BUDGÉTISATION À L'USAGE DES CHAUFFEURS ROUTIERS

Susie Jones

As a truck driver, you are used to travelling long distances and working anti-social hours which can often mean added expenses. But how do you save money as a truck driver? Tracking your expenses and managing your money can be difficult, but we’ve put together some handy tips to help you budget. Taking the time to prepare for the journey can save you money and give you peace of mind. • Supplies: Work out what items you will need to ensure you don’t have to fork out on expensive items whilst on the road. • Food: Preparing your food may be a simple trick but an effective one when it comes to saving the pennies. Eating out is often expensive and sometimes unhealthy, try making your meals in your cab. Having a microwave and fridge in your cab will make meal-prepping that much easier. Check out our tips for staying . • Journey planning: Planning the most efficient route can save you money on fuel and unexpected toll charges. Knowing where you will be stationed for the night and booking in advance can make your journey more cost-effective. Download our to find truck parking near your transit route. The hardest but the most effective tip. Create a monthly or weekly budget that you can stick to and keep track of your expenses. There are many ways to set out your budget, you could write your expenses in a monthly calendar, jot them down in a notebook, or use an app to assist you. has an extensive list of apps that can help. Investing in an inverter will give you the ability to run small appliances. Having a fridge to keep items fresh, an electric griddle for cooking, and a coffee machine to make your cup of joe just how you like it will stop you from spending a fortune. Say goodbye to expensive fast food and hello to home-cooked meals for half the price. A cost that you can’t avoid. However, there are many ways that you can save on it: • Tyre pressure: Underinflated tyres will reduce your fuel economy, so it’s important to regularly check them. • Reduce idling: Stop the engine if you know you’re going to be stationary for a while. An hour of idling can burn roughly a gallon of fuel. • Use cruise control: Cruise control can reduce unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. • Drive in a higher gear: This will maximise fuel efficiency as travelling at high speeds in lower gears can consume 45% more fuel. • Air conditioning: It can increase your fuel consumption by up to 0.4 miles per gallon. If possible, travel with the window open before resorting to air con. In addition to these tips, offers a sustainable, transparent pricing structure and discounted rates at our partner company, Certas Energy’s refuelling locations. Some employers will offer their drivers reward programmes to assist them with saving money. Items such as a discount on food, drink, showers, and cleaning facilities can all help with saving. Additionally, if you are a SNAP customer, we’re able to offer you food vouchers at participating truck stops. Whether it’s getting in touch with family via video call or streaming your favourite shows, having the option to hook up to the WiFi can save you a substantial amount. Solely using your phone’s data can get expensive and can leave you with an unexpectedly high bill. Most truck stops will offer WiFi for drivers, and you can always find out which truck stops offer this on our page. This is often down to the individual, as with any job you will have aspects you find difficult that others wouldn’t. Long hours, time spent away from loved ones, and a sedentary lifestyle can make the job tough. On top of this, you will have to deal with external difficulties such as road congestion, tight scheduling and sometimes working overtime. However, it’s not all doom and gloom, many truck drivers have a lot of work opportunities, independence, flexibility, and the chance to travel abroad. As stated above, there can certainly be some downsides to life on the road. Truck driving is certainly not for everyone, but those who do end up in the role benefit from a few perks: • Job stability – The current shortage of drivers means that you will have no trouble finding and keeping a job. • Pay – A career in truck driving can offer good pay and additional benefits. • Travel – If you don’t like to be confined to a single place every day then getting to travel around parts of the UK and Europe is a huge benefit. In addition to some of these perks, you will find a lot of truck drivers wouldn’t trade their life behind the wheel for a 9-5 office job. There are quite a few steps to become an HGV driver and the cost can vary depending on who you take your tests with. We’ve broken it down for you in a few easy steps. Before you can obtain your Class 2, you will need to have a full car licence, be over 18, and have a provisional HGV licence. Your provisional HGV licence will consist of two forms, a D2 (This is free) and a D4. A D4 form is your medical and the cost can vary between £50-£120. There are four parts to obtaining your HGV licence, and the cost of each can vary. According to the website, gaining your HGV licence will cost roughly £304. However, this cost may fluctuate if you book using an unofficial website. On top these fees, you need to pay for lessons which can cost up to £1,390. Once passed, you will have your HGV Class 2 (C Class) licence and can drive a rigid. To drive commercially you will need to get your tacho card which will set you back £32. This will need to be renewed every five years and will cost £15. To become a Class 1 driver you need to take one more test. A Class 1 licence will qualify you to drive a truck over 3,500kg with a trailer of over 750kg. This will cost £115. Overall, qualifying as a Class 1 HGV driver can set you back just under £2,000. However, it’s important to state that once you have obtained your licence, you will be on a decent salary, have job stability, get to travel and gain a sense of community within the trucking world. Budgeting as a truck driver can be challenging but is essential if you want to manage your finances. Keeping track of your expenses, setting a budget, and sticking to it will help you save money. The above tips will give you a great starting point in encouraging you to get into healthier financial habits. How do you save money when you’re out on the road? Share your tips and tricks with us at SNAP.

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mardi 27 août 2024 • Conseils aux conducteurs

COMMENT ÊTRE UN CHAUFFEUR DE CAMION EN BONNE SANTÉ

Susie Jones

As a demanding profession, truck driving frequently involves long hours, a sedentary lifestyle, and extended periods away from home which can often take its toll on the health of many drivers. Unhealthy habits such as the consumption of fast food, lack of physical activity, and disruptive sleeping patterns can all lead to potential health complications in the future. But how do you stay fit as a truck driver? It is easier said than done but we've compiled a list of tips to help keep you at your peak whilst on the road. A simple tip and a commodity that we often take for granted, however, most health issues occur from dehydration. Regular sips of water or squash throughout the day will expel metabolic waste and toxins from your system and keep you more energized and alert. Keeping a refillable water bottle with you will not only remind you to stay hydrated but is better for the environment as well. The temptation of fast food after a long day is something that we can all relate to, however, just like keeping hydrated, your diet plays a significant role in your health as well as how you will end up feeling throughout the day. It is recommended that truck drivers eat three to four times a day, either two meals and two snacks or two meals and one snack. Try to maintain a meal and snack plan that is high in omega-3, iron, and vitamin C, such as green leafy vegetables, fish, and fruits. Avoid frequently consuming food and drink like pasta, bread, sweet drinks, and stimulants such as coffee and energy drinks. Check out our list of healthy snacks to keep in your cab:• Granola bars • Energy bars • Popcorn • Nuts • Dried fruit • Dark chocolate In addition to purchasing healthy food whilst out on the road, it can sometimes be healthier and more cost-effective to meal prep. has a fantastic selection of recipes to help you maintain a healthy diet whilst on the job. Due to the job's nature, getting enough sleep can be difficult for a truck driver and can lead to devastating results for everyone on the road. Simple tips and tricks such as the following could assist you with a decent night's kip: • Create an environment in the cab that feels like home. Check out our post about how to make your lorry cab a home • Keep your sleep area dark • A hot shower: Use our page to find out which truck stops offer this facility • Try out some Apps to assist you with sleeping • Find the ideal spot to park with little noise and disruption. Our intruck app provides 5,000 HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) locations across Europe for you to choose from whilst our team can provide bespoke security solutions enabling you to get a better night’s sleep knowing that you and your truck are safe. One of the hardest tips to follow whilst out on the road but an important one, nonetheless. Long hours of sitting throughout the day can lead to poor posture, back pain, and potential health complications. After a long day behind the wheel, it may be tempting to sit and relax, however, a quick 15 minutes of activity like walking or stretching can make you feel rejuvenated and less stressed. has some useful exercises tailored for truck drivers if you are looking to incorporate several types of physical exercise into your routine. Being out on the road full-time can make it difficult to get all your necessary vitamins. Taking a multivitamin each day can boost your immune system and help you stay healthy. We know that looking after your physical health on the road is important but how much time do truck drivers take to look after their mental health? The mental health charity Mind released statistics revealing that 30% of self-reported work-related illnesses in the transport and logistics industry are due to anxiety, loneliness, stress, and depression. They also implied that this number could be higher as most people do not seek the help they require. In addition to this, 95% of people off sick will not give the real reason for their absence from work if it is regarding their mental health. Following the above tips and tricks can have a knock-on, positive, effect on your mental health. Furthermore, it is important to have open and honest conversations with other truck drivers, supervisors, or dispatchers. Not only does a healthy lifestyle lead to better mental health but evidence suggests that it can also make you a better driver. A study showed that drivers who were asked to exercise daily reported greater ease in turning their heads were able to rotate their bodies further and were able to get into their cars more rapidly. Long hours appear to be one of the hardest aspects of truck driving. Truckers are often faced with long miles to cover and antisocial hours. These long miles and antisocial hours can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. Due to the lifestyle of many truck drivers, on average, they are statistically more likely to have health problems compared to people in other careers. Truckers are often faced with a few obstacles such as cramped working spaces, stressful situations, unusual sleeping patterns, and lack of nutritional food that all have an influence on their health.Maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a truck driver requires a conscious effort but the benefits of doing so are well worth it overall. The above tips will enable you to take control of your health and improve your well-being. Keep an eye out for more tips and tricks from us at SNAP.

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mardi 27 août 2024 • Conseils aux conducteurs

VOUS VOUS ENNUYEZ SUR LA ROUTE ?

Susie Jones

The average truck driver spends roughly 12 hours behind the wheel every day. Endless time on the open road may sound appealing, however, the reality is a stark contrast. Countless petrol stations, rest areas, and long hours can become tedious. Truckers often spend their downtime away from home and preventing boredom can be challenging. Convoy's recent survey suggested boredom was one of truckers’ top challenges. What effect is boredom having on driver well-being? And how can truckers stay entertained? Fatigue, isolation, loneliness, and a lack of mental stimulation are common concerns for drivers. Some drivers may tackle these concerns with unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating, smoking, or excessive caffeine consumption. Over time, these habits can negatively impact mental health. However, as talk surrounding mental health improves, more and more drivers are taking a different route to combat this. We asked truck drivers on Facebook what they do when boredom kicks in. “Audiobooks, mainly psychology. Music, chatting with loved ones, or listening to the radio. Or I turn everything off and have a peaceful existence with my own thoughts,” says Nigel. Others have mentioned how talking with loved ones over the phone has helped. Ashleigh states: “Talking to my friends in a group chat. Honestly, if I didn’t have them, I’d have quit a long time ago. The road throws up some rubbish and without talking to really good friends I’d never have survived.” Likewise, Karl believes a “group chat with friends is a must.” Contrary to popular belief, trucking is a physical endeavour drivers need coordination and concentration to avoid accidents. Despite this, being behind the wheel for extended periods can cause fatigue. The risk of getting complacent on the job can occur, especially if a driver knows their route well. How can drivers deal with complacency behind the wheel? Whether it’s listening to a podcast or a catchy tune, drivers must choose something that keeps their mind alert. We’ve compiled a list of things to prevent boredom behind the wheel. • Podcasts: Truck driver Marty listens to “dozens of podcasts” whilst driving. Podcasts are an excellent way to change things up and learn something new. Check out this • Music: “Music, music, and music” is Richard’s boredom buster. Whether it’s listening to the radio or singing along to a playlist, music is an excellent way to keep the mind alert • Take a break: Although drivers have strict deadlines and tachograph regulations, getting out of the cab when boredom kicks in helps the mind refocus. Truckers face additional challenges to entertain themselves after their shift. Taking a proactive approach to preventing boredom during this time is imperative. We’ve compiled a list of ways to pass the hours. • Location: Truck stops that offer a vast range of facilities and a communal feel are an excellent way to alleviate boredom. Some act as a social hub where truckers can share similar experiences. Head over to our to see what facilities our SNAP service partners offer • Exercising: Taking a daily walk or getting creative with your workouts can prevent boredom and ensure you stay fit and healthy. Check out our tips for • Streaming services: Catch up on the latest TV show or scroll through social media. Truck driver Steve likes to “scroll and comment on Facebook and watch Netflix” to pass the time • Hobbies: The opportunities are endless. Learning an instrument, learning a foreign language, drawing, writing, and more. Picking up a hobby is an effective way to prevent boredom • Cooking: Cooking meals in the cab has many benefits. Not only does it prevent boredom, but it saves money and is healthier • Stay connected with loved ones: A trucker’s downtime provides the perfect opportunity to contact those closest to them. Video calls are an effective way to feel closer to family and friends • Relax: Truckers can face stressful situations. Relaxing fully after a shift can improve driver well-being. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and meditation reduce stress. Although some drivers enjoy the solitude and independence the open road offers, combating boredom is still a challenge for many. Due to the nature of the job, truckers often experience long periods of boredom. However, to improve well-being, job satisfaction, and road safety, they must find ways to alleviate it. Whether it’s focusing on the task at hand, listening to the radio, or chatting with friends and family, most truckers can find a solution that works for them. Most drivers sleep in their cabs since they are well-equipped for a comfortable night’s sleep. A basic sleeper cab includes a bed, storage, lights, and electrical outlets – making it a home away from home. Due to the current European parking shortage, many drivers park in laybys. Doing so is deemed unsafe and leaves a driver vulnerable to theft. From November 2017, HGV drivers in the UK must take regular weekly rest breaks in proper rest areas (like service areas and truck stops). scheme allows fleets to offer their truck parking spaces to the network, alleviating the shortage and helping drivers avoid vulnerable situations. In addition, SNAP provides over 450 service partners across Europe for drivers to park at. Head over to our to learn more. If you’ve ever driven down a main road at night, you may have noticed trucks parked with their trailer doors open. A lot of drivers do this to deter thieves, the assumption being that if the trailer door is open there is nothing to steal. This is predominantly done on curtain-side trailers as it prevents thieves from slashing the curtain to see what’s inside.