Tired truckers are dangerous truckers. This is not an opinion, but rather a statement of fact. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that “drowsy driving is a major problem in the United States” because tired drivers pay less attention to the road, have slower reaction times, and may have a difficult time making good decisions.
How Drowsy Driving Puts Truckers and Others at Risk on the Road
Any driver may be tired and therefore dangerous. However, truckers may be especially susceptible to the dangers of drowsy driving because:
- They are working long hours and irregular shifts. Some days and weeks they may be working during the day, and some days and weeks they may be driving at night.
- They may live an unhealthy lifestyle. It can be difficult to eat right, to exercise, and to maintain consistent sleep habits when you are constantly on the road.
- They may be encouraged to exceed the hours of service limits. The number of hours a trucker can drive each day and each week is limited by federal regulation. However, some trucking companies encourage their truckers to exceed these limits.
- Their jobs are monotonous and sedentary. The long hours behind the wheel can make a trucker drowsy.
- They suffer from undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea. This can interrupt the rest that a trucker does get and cause significant drowsiness while driving.
Any of these factors can cause a tried trucker to fall asleep behind the wheel or to make a dangerous mistake that results in a serious crash.
Did a Tired Trucker Cause Your Truck Accident?
At the time of a truck accident, it is impossible for you to know whether the trucker who caused your crash was tired. However, a full investigation could help you determine if drowsiness was a factor in the wreck that left you injured.
Your lawyer will request certain information from the trucker and trucking company in order to determine the exact cause of your truck accident. This information may include:
- Driving logs.
- Medical reports.
- Interrogatory questions.
- Deposition questions.
If drowsiness was a factor in your accident then the trucker or trucking company may have been negligent and the trucker or trucking company may be responsible for paying for your damages. You need to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call us directly at 800.800.5678 to learn more about the cause of your specific truck wreck and about protecting your legal recovery, please contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
