TORONTO — Truck drivers live 10 to 15 years less than the average North American male, who lives to 76, according to a new study authored by Toronto researcher Dr. Martin Moore-Ede.

The trucking insurance industry journal, The Roemer Report, discusses the results of the study, which are described 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.”

Not surprisingly, the lifestyle of a truck driver is not conducive to healthy living, states the report. But some truckers are incorporating creative ways to exercise in attempts to improve fitness, notes the study,a nd it’s paying off.

One Wisconsin driver, finding himself overweight and barely able to pass his physical, decided to start a walking routine. Instead of waiting around for his truck to be unloaded, Jeff Clark would walk a mile or so into the nearest town.

“Eventually his walk turned into a jog. In fact, he’s currently training for the Green Bay Marathon in May.”

Because truckers are on tight schedules and are away from home, they have to be more creative in finding time to exercise than those in other professions, he says. “When you pull in, park at the farthest stall.”