One of the most common causes of commercial
truck accidents is
driver fatigue. Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has
established multiple regulations and rules which address the issue of
drowsy driving and limit the number of hours a truck driver can be behind
the wheel, hundreds of thousands of hours-of-service (HOS) rule violations
have been issued each year.
According to a survey conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety (IIHS), many truckers violate HOS regulations and drive longer
than permitted. Additionally, drivers often record false information in
their driving logs.
Why is Fatigued Driving a Huge Problem?
Studies show that sleep deprivation slows reaction time and hinders decision-making
abilities. Although lack of sleep has an adverse impact on all of us,
it can result in an increased risk of a catastrophic crash.
The reason why there are so many truck accidents related to fatigue is
due to competition. For every trucking company that is well-run and compliant
to all of the safety regulations, there are several others who are willing
to compromise safety to maximize their profit margins. Some trucking companies
encourage their drivers to work longer hours to meet strict deadlines
much faster than expected.
Common causes of truck driver fatigue include:
- Inadequate rest
- Exceeding the number of driving hours permitted by law
- Pressure to deliver cargo on time
- Ignoring federal driving rules
To help avoid a truck accident with a fatigued trucker, motorists should
drive safely around large commercial trucks. Always give semi-trucks the
right of way, avoid driving alongside a semi-truck, and keep in mind of
their blind spots.
If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by a negligent trucker
in Texas,
request a free consultation with our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers at the
Law Office of James M. Stanley today.