Project 61

Trucker Gurinderjit Singh spends at least eight hours a day on the phone while hauling freight, describing this 'call of empathy' as a ritual to combat stress and social isolation inherent in his profession. While drivers are aware that it is illegal to drive while handling a cellphone and must keep one ear free, they recognize the dangers associated with distracted driving. The article notes that California lacks statewide studies or programs offering support for truck drivers' mental health issues.