Truck accident injuries can be severe and truck driver fatigue is one of the factors that can lead to truck accidents. For that reason, it is important for truck drivers to avoid truck driver fatigue and for victims of truck accidents to be familiar with the legal protections available to them.
The causes of truck driver fatigue
There can be several causes of truck driver fatigue including:
- Illness – it is natural for the body to need rest when ill and truck drivers may not always be able to get the rest they need because of the unusual shifts they work and the long hours they spend driving on the road.
- Medication use – medication use can lead to drowsiness which can increase the risk of a truck accident.
- Working odd hours or shifts – truck drivers typically drive at any hour to meet their destination on time. This can lead to driving when the truck driver is naturally tired or when the body is naturally tired. Because of the pressures oftentimes placed on truck drivers to meet deadlines, they may also fail to take required rest breaks.
- Inebriation – a total of 50% of truck drivers worldwide admitted to driving while inebriated. Inebriation can make truck drivers sleepy which can also increase the changes of a truck accident.
The dangers of truck driver fatigue
Truck driver fatigue can cause truck accidents that can result in catastrophic injuries for victims. Drowsy driving makes it difficult to focus on driving or maintain attention on the roadway. Truck drivers driving while fatigued may also be unable to respond as quickly as needed. Truck driver fatigue can lead to truck accidents which is why victims should be familiar with how personal injury legal protections can help them obtain compensation for their damages.
