The dangers of truck driver fatigue

On Behalf of | Jan 4, 2021 | General News |

Perhaps the most dangerous driver on North Dakota roads is the tired driver. In fact, according to the CDC, one in 25 drivers have admitted to driving while tired on the road. Unfortunately, many of those end up in car accidents or even fatalities. Now add an 80-ton truck to that, and you can see how the risk increases dramatically. The following includes further information on the growing issue with fatigued truck drivers.

Fatigue and distracted driving

Driving an 80-ton truck requires a lot of awareness, to say the least, but what happens when all that goes out the window? Fatigue leads to much more than just a sleepy mood; it may also lead to becoming distracted as you drive. Truck drivers understand that they are tired and will begin to fidget with their controls or phones. This, however, only makes the situation that much worse as not only are they sleepy, but they are losing focus on what’s in front of them on the road.

Poor decision-making

One of the most common reasons why truck drivers get into motor vehicle accidents is due to poor driving decisions while tired. Moods change, and thus a driver may begin to tailgate another car or speed through areas where they would have normally slowed down. These actions create the perfect storm for a potential car accident.

Why fatigue occurs

The unfortunate fact is that truck drivers are often pressured by their employers to get to their destination as quickly as possible. Thus, they feel obligated to go over their allotted driving time to ensure that they meet their supervisor’s requests. Of course, this often leads to fatigued driving.

If you’ve been part of a car accident involving a tired truck driver, it is important to consult with an attorney before moving forward with any legal actions. They may be able to provide you with the proper information regarding the best legal route to take for your case.