LAUSR

Abstract U.S. long‐haul truck drivers traverse great distances and interact with numerous individuals, rendering them vulnerable to acquiring and transmitting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Together, the unique co‐occurrence of pronounced health disparities and known COVID‐19 infection, morbidity, and mortality risks suggest the possibility of a novel COVID‐19 based truck driver syndemic due to advanced driver age and endemic health issues. In turn, COVID‐19 sequelae may perpetuate existing health disparities. The co‐occurrence of afflictions may also result in compromised safety performance. To curb the likelihood of a COVID‐19 based truck driver syndemic, several action stepsare needed. First, key COVID‐19 metrics need to be established for this population. Second, relationships between long‐haul trucker network attributes and COVID‐19 spread need to bedelineated. Third, mutually reinforcing interactions between endemic health disparities and COVID‐19 vulnerability need to be elucidated. Finally, grounded in the aforementioned steps, policies and interventions need to be identified and implemented.