Drowsy truck drivers is one of the most common causes of truck accidents, according to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Unfortunately, truck drivers are more likely to drive while drowsy because they are pressured to meet tight delivery deadlines.
Drowsiness can affect reaction times, vision, coordination, judgment, and overall driving performance, increasing the risk of a devastating, preventable truck accident. Too often, the occupants of the passenger vehicles involved in the accident suffer the most severe, often fatal, injuries.
There are several reasons why commercial truck drivers become drowsy. Despite the federal hours of service (HOS) regulations that limit the number of consecutive hours they are allowed to drive without taking a break, being behind the wheel of a large commercial truck for several hours straight can be exhausting. According to the current regulations, truck drivers must take a break after 11 consecutive hours of driving when that period occurs after taking 10 consecutive hours off. They must also stop driving after being on duty for 14 hours and may not exceed 60 hours in one week or 70 hours in eight days. Unfortunately, there are problems with the federal rules, including:
- Truck drivers become fatigued, even when they follow the HOS regulations. Driving for 11 hours is exhausting, even if a truck driver got enough sleep the previous night or took a break before returning to the road. In addition, 60 hours of driving in one week is a lot, no matter how many breaks the driver takes. It does not give truck drivers a chance to fully catch up on sleep before getting back on the road.
- Truck drivers’ schedules do not allow them to maintain regular sleep patterns. While the HOS regulations state that truck drivers are supposed to catch up on sleep when they are not driving, there are no enforcement measures to ensure that truck drivers sleep during their off-duty hours. Truck drivers with trouble falling asleep may resort to sleep aids and drugs to feel more alert when awake.
- HOS rules are not strictly enforced. Truck drivers often feel pressured to continue driving, even if they have exceeded the federal limits, to deliver the cargo on time. This pressure may also come from the trucking companies, who often set unrealistic deadlines to make more money.
What Are the Risks of Drowsy Driving?
The more fatigued a truck driver is, the more it will affect their ability to maintain control of the truck and avoid a severe truck accident. Fatigue can cause side effects similar to being under the influence of alcohol, mainly if the truck driver has gone without sleep for 24 consecutive hours or more. The following are some examples of how drowsy driving can increase the risk of a devastating truck accident:
- Delayed reaction times.
- Impaired judgment.
- More likely to become distracted.
- Swerving between lanes.
- Inability to recognize hazards on the road and react to them quickly and safely.
- Reduced vigilance.
- Increased risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
How Can I Avoid a Truck Accident Involving a Drowsy Driver?
You cannot control the amount of sleep truck drivers get, whether they follow the HOS regulations and obey the rules of the road. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of a devastating truck accident, including those that involve a truck driver who is driving on too little sleep, including:
- Do not tailgate a large truck. If a drowsy truck driver starts to doze off or zones out and suddenly hits the brakes, you could slam into the back of the truck if you follow too closely.
- Always give large trucks the right of way. When traveling on a busy highway, always let trucks merge onto the highway or change lanes when signaling.
- Avoid driving next to a large truck. Aside from when you are next to a truck when passing it on the highway, you should avoid driving alongside a commercial truck for an extended period. This is particularly true when driving in the lane to the right of a truck. Commercial trucks have large blind spots, including directly in front, directly behind, and on either side of the truck. The truck’s passenger side is the largest blind spot and can extend the full length of the trailer.
- Maintain a safe speed and adjust based on weather and road conditions.
- Always use your turn signals when changing lanes, turning, or exiting the highway so that the truck driver and other nearby vehicles see you are turning.
How Do I Prove That a Truck Driver Was Drowsy at the Time of the Accident?
If you wish to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the truck driver involved in the accident, you must be able to prove that the driver was drowsy when the accident occurred. Drowsiness can be challenging, but common signs may indicate drowsiness, including weaving in and out of lanes, driving oncoming traffic, and excessive speeding. A truck accident lawyer can obtain data from the driver’s electronic logging device (ELD) to confirm whether the driver exceeded the HOS. If that data is not available, the following data can be obtained:
- Toll receipts
- Gas receipts
- Hotel receipts
- Bills of lading
- Surveillance cameras
Cincinnati Truck Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Represent Victims of Drowsy Driving Truck Accidents
If you or a loved one suffered a devastating injury in a drowsy driving-related truck accident, do not hesitate to contact our Cincinnati truck accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office. We can thoroughly investigate the details of the accident and ensure that your legal rights are protected. To schedule a free consultation, call 513-488-1135 or contact us online. Located in Loveland, Ohio, we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.