Semi-trucks and big rigs play a vital role in our economy, yet they also bring significant risks, especially when driver fatigue enters the equation. This often-overlooked factor can lead to devastating outcomes. What should drivers know about the risks caused by truck driver fatigue?
How common is fatigue in big rig drivers?
Unfortunately, truck driver fatigue is common. Truck driver fatigue plays a role in more than one in ten semi-truck accidents according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Truck drivers often face grueling schedules that demand long hours on the road with insufficient rest. Despite regulations like the hours of service rules implemented by the FMCSA, which are designed to limit the hours a driver can operate a commercial vehicle, fatigue remains a persistent issue. Drivers may push their limits to meet deadlines or respond to pressure from carrier companies that prioritize delivery speed over safety.
Additional factors compound the risk of driver fatigue. For example, a 2020 study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute reports that around half of truck drivers could be at risk for sleep apnea. This condition disrupts breathing during sleep and can cause daytime fatigue.
What harm can driver fatigue cause?
Fatigue can severely affect a truck driver’s performance. It slows down their reaction times, reduces their alertness and compromises their decision-making abilities. Getting behind the wheel while drowsy also raises the chances of falling asleep while driving.
Given the massive size and weight of trucks, drowsy driving becomes perilously dangerous. Any crash involving a large commercial vehicle can result in severe injuries or even death, particularly for those in smaller vehicles.
Victims injured in truck accidents caused by driver fatigue face a challenging recovery, marked by physical, emotional and financial hurdles. It is crucial for injured people to understand their rights and explore the legal avenues available to hold responsible parties accountable.