Truck accidents can have catastrophic consequences. Truck driver fatigue can be dangerous and can result from lack of sleep, extended work hours or other reasons. One study reported that 13 percent of commercial truck drivers were fatigued at the time of a truck accident. Legal options are available to victims who have been injured by a negligent truck driver or negligent trucking company.
It is important for truck drivers to get adequate rest and sleep each night. Truck drivers should avoid driving while drowsy and, if they do feel drowsy, they should find a safe place to pull over to rest. Late at night and during certain hours, drivers may experience greater drowsiness. Truck driver fatigue and drowsiness can negatively impact the truck driver’s response to potential hazards and increase the likelihood of a truck accident.
It is also important for truck drivers to maintain a healthy diet because a healthy diet can have an impact on sleep. Truck drivers who are driving while fatigued may experience reduced reaction time, reduced attentiveness, a lack of awareness, reduced judgment, lapses in memory and mood changes. Truck drivers should also avoid medications that can cause drowsiness.
Because unreasonable driving hours and expectations may be to blame, both trucking companies and truck drivers may be liable to victims of truck accidents, depending on their relationship. A lawsuit for damages can help victims recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages from the parties responsible for the harm they have suffered, which is why victims should be familiar with the options available to them.
Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “CMV Driving Tips – Driver Fatigue,” Accessed April 8, 2018
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