the nodding donkey:
I have seen this mentioned more than once now, and I’m puzzled.
How does my hygiene regimen affect my ability to drive a truck? If I can shower I will do so, and I will wear a clean set of clothes every morning, but if i park up on an industrial estate or out in the country, i don’t loose sleep over it. And as far as i know, my driving abilities are no better or worse wether i have a shower or not.
I would look at it the other way around, that the poor state of many drivers is a sign both of how poorly many are treated and their low expectations.
They either cannot clean themselves (without overwhelming hassle or planning), or have given up their dignity and just don’t give a toss.
After all, doctors sometimes sleep at work and thus away from their homes, but they still have facilities.
The public is quite right that the appearance of the average lorry driver says everything. It does not really matter whether it is the fault of the individual or his circumstances - he is an undesirable either way.