Thousands of truck accidents happen annually on American roads. These incidents cause significant property damage in addition to serious injuries and fatalities.
According to a truck accident attorney at Allen & Allen, one of the primary reasons for these accidents is fatigued driving.
It is estimated by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety that driver fatigue causes approximately 328,000 crashes yearly. These crashes result in thousands of injuries and deaths, with fatigued driving being a significant factor in truck accidents.
The Impact of Fatigued Driving on Truck Drivers
Truck drivers are often required to work long hours and cover vast distances, making them more prone to fatigue than other drivers. They may also need help with pressure from their companies to meet tight deadlines, leading to extended periods of driving without rest. When these factors are combined, there is an increased risk of fatigued driving.
When truck drivers are exhausted, their reaction time slows, and they may have difficulty concentrating on the road ahead. Moreover, fatigue can impair decision-making abilities and increase the chances of making critical mistakes while driving heavy trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds.
Source: Imagesource.ioThe Dangers of Fatigued Driving for Other Road Users
Fatigued driving poses a significant threat not only to truck drivers but also to other road users. Due to its size and weight, the consequences of a substantial truck accident are often devastating. Over 100,000 individuals are hurt, and over 4,000 people are killed by truck accidents each year.
Truck accidents can cause serious financial losses for all parties involved, in addition to bodily harm and fatalities. The financial, emotional, and physical toll that medical bills, property damage, and missed income may take can quickly mount up, making it difficult for victims to recover.
The Importance of Rest for Truck Drivers
Truck drivers must prioritize rest and take breaks when needed to prevent fatigue-related truck accidents. To guarantee enough downtime, the FMCSA has set limits on the number of hours a truck driver may work in a given day and week.
Truck drivers should also listen to their bodies and recognize fatigue-related symptoms such as drowsiness, difficulty focusing, and frequent yawning. When these signs arise, drivers must stop and rest before returning to the road.
Source: yanalya on FreepikThe Role of Employers in Preventing Fatigued Driving
Employers are also responsible for ensuring their truck drivers are well-rested and can perform their jobs safely. This includes providing adequate training on recognizing signs of fatigue and establishing policies prioritizing drivers’ well-being over tight deadlines.
Employers should also regularly check in with their truck drivers to ensure they are not pushing themselves beyond their limits and provide support and resources for any mental or physical health concerns affecting their ability to drive safely.
Save The Day!
There is no doubt that fatigued driving has devastating consequences, especially involving large commercial trucks. As a community, it is essential to recognize the dangers associated with fatigued driving and take steps to prevent it. This includes prioritizing rest for truck drivers, implementing regulations and policies to ensure their safety, and supporting mental and physical health concerns.
By addressing fatigued driving, we can work towards making our roads safer for all drivers and reducing the number of truck accidents each year. Don’t be afraid to seek legal counsel from qualified attorneys if you or a loved one was hurt in a fatigue-related truck accident. They can help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
Remember, safety on the roads starts with all of us. So let’s do our part to prevent fatigued driving and make our streets safer for everyone.
