How Fatigued Truck Drivers Put Motorists At Risk
Fatigue among truck drivers is a significant concern in the trucking industry. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 13% of commercial motor vehicle drivers were considered to be fatigued at the time of their crash. This statistic underscores the dangers associated with tired truck drivers on the road.
The trucking industry is under constant pressure to meet delivery deadlines, which can lead to long hours and insufficient rest for truck drivers. This environment contributes to dangerous truck driving conditions, increasing the risk of large truck crashes.
Common Causes of Fatigued Driving
Truck driver fatigue occurs in a variety of ways, including:
- Improper sleep schedules
- Imbalanced diet
- Strenuous non-work activities or hobbies
- Alcohol use
- Prescription or over-the-counter medication use
- Not using rest breaks properly
- Overuse of caffeine or stimulants
The Pressure Truck Drivers Face on the Road
Truck drivers play a vital role in keeping goods moving across the country, but the pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines can take a toll. Many drivers operate under demanding schedules set by trucking companies, leading to long hours with minimal rest. When rest is sacrificed, the risk of distracted driving, fatigue, and serious truck accidents rises significantly.
Despite advances in safety regulations, truck driving remains a dangerous job. Drivers must remain alert through harsh weather, congested highways, and nighttime hauls – often while managing the stress of strict time constraints. These challenges highlight not only how dangerous truck driving can be but also the importance of holding all parties accountable when negligence leads to preventable harm.
Impact on Highway Safety
The presence of fatigued truck drivers on highways poses a serious threat to highway safety. Large commercial trucks, due to their size and weight, can cause severe accidents when involved in collisions. The driver’s ability to react promptly is crucial, and fatigue significantly impairs this ability.
Other drivers sharing the road with large trucks are at risk, especially when truck drivers engage in reckless driving behaviors exacerbated by fatigue. Distracted driving, combined with tiredness, further amplifies the danger, leading to more severe accidents involving other vehicles.
Why Governments Limit Driver Hours of Operation
The Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) released by the FMCSA indicates that 13% of commercial motor vehicle drivers “were considered to be fatigued at the time of their crash.”
The federal government, as well as every state government, places restrictions on truck drivers. The federal government controls any truck driver’s hours of service if they operate from one state to the other, which is the majority of commercial truck drivers. States are allowed to regulate truck drivers that only operate within the state borders.
In general, property-carrying drivers are limited to a 14-hour limit each day, eleven of which may be spent driving. However, this can only happen after having 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers are required to have one 30-minute break if they have driven for a period of eight cumulative hours.
Overall, drivers are limited to 60 to 70 hours depending on whether or not we are discussing a seven- or eight-day work week. Drivers can restart a seven- or eight-day work week if they take 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.
Truck driver fatigue is a major problem that regulators seek to solve by implementing hours of service limits. However, there are times, particularly during national emergencies, when these hours of service requirements are lifted.
The Role of Trucking Companies
Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are not overworked and have adequate rest. However, the competitive nature of the industry can sometimes lead to neglecting these responsibilities. Regular vehicle maintenance and adherence to federal motor carrier safety regulations are essential to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets guidelines to limit the number of hours truck drivers can operate, aiming to reduce the risk of fatigue. Despite these regulations, enforcement can be challenging, and violations still occur, putting road users at risk.
Recognizing the Signs of Fatigue
It’s important for truck drivers to recognize the signs of fatigue, such as frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, and difficulty concentrating. Acknowledging these signs and taking appropriate rest breaks can prevent dangerous situations on the road.
Car drivers should also be aware of the potential dangers posed by large commercial vehicles and maintain a safe distance, especially if they observe erratic driving behavior that could indicate a tired truck driver.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Help
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a large commercial truck, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance. An experienced attorney can help determine if truck driver fatigue played a role in the incident and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Legal professionals can navigate the complexities of the trucking industry’s regulations and work to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Contact Callahan & Blaine for Assistance
It can be difficult to determine liability after a collision caused by a truck driver’s fatigue. There will typically need to be an extensive investigation into the incident to determine what happened. Working with a Santa Ana truck accident attorney can help injury victims find hours of service violations or evidence that the driver knowingly operated the vehicle while fatigued.
At Callahan & Blaine, we understand the complexities involved in accidents caused by tired truck drivers. With over 40 years of experience and a team of seasoned trial lawyers, we are equipped to handle even the most challenging cases.
Our firm has a proven track record, including securing the largest jury verdict in Orange County history. We are committed to providing exceptional legal representation to those affected by dangerous truck driving practices. If you need assistance, please contact us at (714) 241-4444 or through our contact form.
FAQ about Distracted Truck Driving and Fatigued Truck Drivers
Why is truck driving considered a dangerous job?
Truck driving is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. due to long hours, difficult road conditions, and the risk of serious truck accidents. The size and weight of commercial vehicles increase the likelihood of severe injuries when crashes occur.
How do trucking companies contribute to safety or risk on the road?
Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining safe fleets, enforcing hours-of-service regulations, and ensuring their truck drivers are properly trained. However, when companies cut corners or push unrealistic schedules, they may increase the risk of truck accidents caused by fatigue or distracted driving.
What makes truck drivers more prone to distracted driving?
Truck drivers spend long periods on the road, which can lead to boredom or fatigue. This increases the temptation to use mobile devices or engage in other distracted driving behaviors, making truck driving even more hazardous.
How dangerous is truck driving compared to other jobs?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck driving consistently ranks among the top jobs for work-related fatalities. The combination of long hours, road hazards, and vehicle size illustrates how dangerous truck driving can be, especially when safety standards aren’t followed.
What happens if a truck driver causes a serious accident?
When a truck driver causes a crash due to negligence or policy violations, both the driver and the trucking company may be held liable. Victims of truck accidents can pursue compensation, especially if distracted driving or fatigue played a role in the incident.
