The auxiliary heater has been an indirect requirement for decades in all trucks where one can sleep. The stationary air conditioning is not. We must not freeze, but we should not sweat in the summer and drive unrefreshed either.
Therefore, we are starting a new round to finally make the stationary air conditioning mandatory. For this purpose, I have already posted a draft on Udo Skoppek’s Facebook page that can be sent to the EU Members of Parliament.
And we need you for this. No protest, but simply send an email to all EU Members of Parliament who are involved in transport and/or occupational health and safety. You can find them either directly on the homepage or at abgeordnetenwatch.de . You will certainly find someone there.
The letter is subject to no restrictions. So you can also make it a bit more individual. Just make sure you remain factual and friendly.
And yes, I know. There are employers who include the air conditioning as standard. But not all of them. And in today’s times, one does not know whether one will stay at the company where one is currently employed for long. And who knows what one will get with the next employer. Therefore, please also participate if you already have one anyway.
Subject: Improvement of working conditions through mandatory installation of stationary air conditioning units in commercial vehicles
Dear Mr [Name of Politician],
Dear Ms [Name of Politician],
I hope you are well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a truck driver in the overnight transport sector. In 2019, a petition with number 0897/2019 on the topic “Safety of trucks on public roads through the installation of stationary air conditioning units” was submitted. Unfortunately, this petition was rejected, although the problem still exists and working conditions in the industry remain untenable.
Temperatures in the vehicle and their effects on sleep
As a driver of a commercial vehicle, I am regularly exposed to extreme temperatures that lead to health burdens both in summer and winter. In the summer months, temperatures inside an unconditioned vehicle can rise above 40 °C, which not only increases physical strain but also leads to a significant decline in sleep quality. In the winter months, temperatures often drop below 0 °C, which also impairs well-being. An auxiliary heater has already been made mandatory for all vehicles in the overnight transport sector many years ago.
Studies such as those by the University of California (2016) show that extreme temperatures develop in unconditioned vehicles that endanger both the health and performance of drivers. According to the National Sleep Foundation (2019), excessively high or low temperatures lead to impaired sleep quality, which can have serious consequences, especially in a profession like truck driving, where good rest is essential.
The role of stationary air conditioning for better sleep
A stationary air conditioning unit can ensure a constant, pleasant temperature in the cab and thus contribute significantly to improving sleep quality. Studies by the Sleep Research Society (2020) have shown that a controlled room temperature facilitates falling asleep and ensures higher sleep quality. In view of the health and safety aspects, I consider it necessary to introduce this technical solution for truck drivers on a widespread basis.
With the installation of stationary air conditioning units, not only can the health of drivers be protected, but overall road safety can also be increased. Better sleep leads to higher performance and better reaction times the next day – factors that are of enormous importance for both the driver and other road users.
Why there is now a need for political action
The rejection of petition 0897/2019 shows that this important topic has not been sufficiently considered so far. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that working conditions for truck drivers will not improve without this measure. Extreme temperatures in the vehicle and the associated health and safety risks still represent a major challenge.
I therefore ask you again to support a legislative initiative that mandates the installation of stationary air conditioning units in commercial vehicles used in overnight transport. It is high time for politics to take the working conditions of truck drivers seriously and take appropriate measures.
I look forward to a positive response and am, of course, available for further discussion or questions.
With kind regards
[Your Name]
Sources:
University of California, 2016: “Climate and Temperature Inside Vehicles: Impacts on Health and Safety.”
National Sleep Foundation, 2019: “The Impact of Temperature on Sleep Quality and Duration.”
Sleep Research Society, 2020: “The Effects of Controlled Temperature Environments on Sleep Quality.”
Please adjust the names accordingly.
