by When fatigued driving happens, it is very similar to driving while intoxicated as response times are slowed and judgment is impaired. With this lack of focus and attention behind the wheel, it can create a deadly scenario, especially when the fatigued driver is driving a commercial truck. These trucks are much more difficult to control than passenger cars, and being alert and focused is crucial to safe driving.
Truck drivers who are fatigued will be more likely to lose control of the vehicle. Even though the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has rules and regulations in place for hours of service, fatigued driving still occurs, leading to catastrophic truck accidents.
What Causes Truck Driver Fatigue?
Anyone can suffer fatigue, though truck drivers have a duty to fulfill and they must get adequate rest to prevent drowsiness behind the wheel. Since they traverse long stretches of road, it can be a monotonous activity, and the lulling sounds of the road may contribute to making a truck driver fall asleep at the wheel.
Here are other factors that may lead to truck driver fatigue and truck accidents:
Driving During Certain Hours of the Day
There are certain points in a day when human beings are more inclined to become drowsy. For truck drivers, it is key to mitigate these drowsy hours to avoid fatigue during their shifts. You might not be surprised to learn that between the hours of 12 am and 6 am is considered a prime time for drowsiness.
However, between 2 pm and 4 pm is another time the body is naturally inclined to drowsiness. Couple that with the repetitiveness of driving long distances, and it can be a potential recipe for disaster.
Medications
Truck drivers are required to take random drug and alcohol tests, though some medications they may need to take could encourage drowsiness. Even over-the-counter medications such as allergy medicines can have this effect, and while these medications will often advise not to operate heavy machinery, truckers may still take them to fight off their symptoms while on the road.
Failing to Follow Hours of Service Regulations
Some truck drivers or their trucking companies will disregard the hours of service rules set by the federal government. These rules dictate how many hours a trucker can be on the road before they must take a mandated rest period. With a high demand for goods and transport and not enough truck drivers to take these shifts, some may disregard these laws and keep driving to meet tight schedules.
Undiagnosed or Untreated Sleep Disorders
A truck driver who has an untreated or undiagnosed sleep disorder may have a greater chance of falling asleep at the wheel. Truck drivers must make sure they have their scheduled physical exams to spot these issues and get the prompt treatment they need before they become a danger to everyone on the road.
Rotating Shift Schedules
The trucking industry does not have set hours for truck drivers, and their rotating schedules may promote fatigue. They may have a day shift one day and the next, a night shift. Keeping up with it can be exhausting, as they may not get satisfying rest before they hit the road again.
How Does Truck Driver Fatigue Lead to a Trucking Crash?
When truckers are fatigued, it directly impacts their ability to operate a truck safely. Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are already difficult enough to maneuver given their size and weight. Add a drowsy truck driver to the mix and the consequences could be dire.
A drowsy trucker may sway between the lanes and hit other vehicles, drift off the road, or they may mistakenly accelerate on the gas pedal. If a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel and wakes suddenly, they are bound to overcorrect, causing the truck to roll over or jackknife.
Proving an Accident Was Caused by Drowsiness
If you were in a truck accident, you should consult a Los Angeles truck accident attorney who can obtain evidence that you may not be able to get on your own. The driver’s log from the electronic logging device (ELD) can reveal whether a trucker has gone over the lawful number of hours. The black box data on the truck can also show what happened before the crash, which can prove that they were fatigued.
Since the trucking company may also have played a role in this negligence, having an attorney will help you protect your legal rights. They will be able to handle the trucking insurance company and negotiate for your fair compensation.
