TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Nearly 70% of truck drivers who smoke have tried electronic cigarettes or vaping, as have 20% of truck drivers who are former smokers, according to Overdrive magazine's 2015 vaping survey of more than 1,000 drivers-readers. And 2% of drivers who have never smoked have tried e-cigarettes or vaping.
The trend, according to the report, is widespread among truckers, whose inclination for smoking is explained easily: The profession is full of long solitary hours and high stress levels, particularly in high-traffic environments. Nicotine, tobacco's addictive stimulant, not only can help fight fatigue, but often is described as a stress reliever, said the publication.
Truckstops have been carrying e-cigarettes for years, and many are featuring the larger, better-performing gadgets that vapers are choosing today.
Part of vaping's newfound popularity among truckers and others is a perception that it's a safer way to deliver nicotine than smoking, the report said.
In Overdrive's survey, one in five respondents who has tried vaping reported occasional use in tandem with traditional tobacco cigarettes.
Click here to read the full report and survey results, as well as profiles of drivers who vape.
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