Heat-Related Illness Causes UPS Driver to Pass Out and Crash Vehicle in Texas

A UPS worker in North Texas experienced a heat-related illness last week, leading to a frightening incident on the highway. The driver passed out while behind the wheel and crashed the company vehicle into the woods, according to Teamsters Local 767, the union representing UPS drivers.

The union posted a statement on social media, accompanied by a video of the crash and photographs that showed the extensive damage to the vehicle. Although the driver remains unidentified, it was confirmed that they were released from the hospital the day after the incident.

The unfortunate event took place in McKinney, a city approximately 35 miles north of Dallas. The union stated that the worker had been sent to a building there to drive but began experiencing "heat-related symptoms" and called for assistance. Alarmingl, UPS instructed the driver to proceed without following the company's "Recharge guidelines", as claimed by the union.

Expressing their concerns, the union stated, "This is UNACCEPTABLE. The driver passed out while driving in and was involved in the accident." They also emphasized that this was not an isolated incident, as it marked the third such event in the McKinney building alone. The union advised UPS employees to reach out to their representatives and fellow drivers to report any unsafe conditions and stressed the importance of calling 911 if necessary.

A brief video captured from a nearby car shows the UPS vehicle veering off the road and crashing into a tree. The photos shared by the union further displayed the significant damage to the front end of the vehicle.

When approached for comment, UPS expressed their concern for the driver's safety and well-being. They acknowledged the incident and stated that they were cooperating with the authorities' investigation.

NBC Dallas-Fort Worth reported that the union plans to meet with UPS management this week to discuss the incident. The crash occurred on Texas Highway 121, north of McKinney, according to the news outlet.

An eyewitness named Henry Huynh, who witnessed and filmed the crash, stated that the driver appeared unconscious at the wheel. Huynh described the driver's sudden swerve onto oncoming traffic before colliding with the tree.

This incident sheds light on the long-standing concern regarding heat-related hazards faced by UPS workers. As the world's largest package delivery company, UPS reportedly operates without sufficient air conditioning in their vehicles and warehouses. NBC News previously reported that on a scorching day of deliveries, the temperature inside a UPS truck's cargo area can reach a staggering 140 degrees or higher.

The safety and well-being of workers should always be a top priority, and it is imperative for companies like UPS to implement comprehensive heat-related safety protocols. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how UPS will address these concerns and ensure the safety of its employees during extreme weather conditions.