Truck drivers struggle to access basic necessities

Recently, Lee’s husband made a roadside stop only to find out the business was closed.

“There’s not enough business to warrant them staying open 24 hours a day, so they’re just open at breakfast, lunch and supper so he wasn’t able to get any hot meal,” Lee said.

Truckers can be on the road for weeks at a time. Some pack their own food, but many rely on restaurants.

With new restrictions only allowing takeout, it leaves limited options.

“You gotta go and buy all the junk food, that’s all you can eat,” one trucker said.

Another truck driver is frustrated restaurants have closed.

“You can’t go across the road, they’re closed. They’ll get fined if they open just like that Whistle Stop that’s up in Red Deer.”

Enjoying a warm meal isn’t the only challenge for truck drivers. Many are having a hard time finding an open and clean shower.

“It’s just been busy and the showers aren’t clean so you don’t want to go in,” one trucker said. “But some truck stops are good, some aren’t.”

Others are concerned about the safety of the showers. Drivers don’t know how often they are getting cleaned.

Lee says if truck drivers can have a shower, why can’t they sit at a table and eat something warm.

She thinks the government should listen to the people the restrictions are negatively affecting.

“These poor guys are sitting in their truck 12,14 hours a day,” Lee said. “You want them to sit in their truck for 24 hours a day?”

New restrictions say restaurants will be closed to in-person dining for at least the next three weeks.

by Teagan Rasche

Truck drivers struggle to access basic necessities

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