Truck driver fatigue is considered one of the common causes of truck accidents in the United States. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), at least one in every eight truck accidents that occur annually are caused by trucker fatigue.
Although state and federal transportation safety officials have implemented a series of regulations to attempt to prevent truck driver fatigue and the collisions it can cause, tired motorists continue to operate their vehicles. Fatigue can result in impairments similar to alcohol or drug intoxication.
The following are several things fatigue can do to a trucker:
- Loss of attention and focus on the road and the primary task of operating a vehicle
- Impair judgment and decision-making skills
- Reduces reaction time if faced with an unexpected situation on the road
- Result in falling asleep behind the wheel
Hours-of-Service Regulations
Hours-of-service (HOS) rules are in place to try to prevent trucker fatigue and ensure that they take the appropriate amount of time to get rest in order to operate their vehicles safely. According to FMCSA regulations, truckers are allowed to work up to 14 hours a day, but can only drive 11 hours out of the 14-hour day. The FMCSA requires that truckers and trucking companies maintain logs, expenses receipts, and other paperwork to track hours of service regulations.
Injured by a Fatigued Driving in Antelope Valley?
Truckers who operate a commercial vehicle while fatigued may be found negligent and liable for any injuries they caused in a resulting collision. With more than 75 years of combined experience and over a billion dollars won in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients, our Lancaster truck accident lawyers at Accident Attorneys understand what it takes to obtain the most favorable results possible and help you make a successful recovery from injury.
Contact us and schedule a free consultation today.