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Why truck driver fatigue is so dangerous

On Behalf of | Jan 9, 2023 | Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Most trucks are safe while traveling across the roads in Florida. However, many truck drivers work while they’re fatigued, which poses significant dangers to whoever happens to be sharing the road with them.

Causes of fatigued driving

Truck drivers can become fatigued while working for a variety of reasons. One of the leading causes is lack of sleep. Many also ignore the rules set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and work far above the recommended number of hours. In many cases, the trucking company pushes drivers to disregard the rules and make their deliveries faster without rest.

Some truck accidents caused by fatigued driving occur because the trucker is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Being ill or taking legally prescribed medications can also result in truck driver fatigue.

Why fatigued driving is dangerous

When a truck driver is fatigued, it can easily result in a severe truck crash. Becoming overly tired, even if the driver doesn’t fall asleep at the wheel, prevents maintaining control over the truck. The vehicle can veer into the wrong lane and oncoming traffic, hit a guardrail or run down pedestrians. These situations can lead to catastrophic injuries or death for the victims.

Fatigued truckers cannot make clear judgment calls. This is because fatigue is comparable to driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. Reaction time is also slower, which makes it much easier for commercial vehicle accidents to happen. A trucker may not even remember to change lanes or check their blind spots to ensure that other vehicles are present. Fatigue can also prevent effective braking, which can be catastrophic.

Truck accidents caused by fatigue are often avoidable. However, when they happen, victims can suffer irreparable damage.

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