You probably know what it feels like to be at work after a night of poor sleep. Or to endure a long shift that stopped you from getting enough rest. It slows down your reaction time, sets you up to make risky decisions, and reduces your attention span, among other consequences. However, you aren’t a commercial driver, so your on-the-job fatigue can’t cause a serious truck accident.
There are laws in place to help minimize truck driver fatigue. FMCSA requires truck drivers to take regular breaks to rest. Hours-of-service regulations (HOS) set strict rules for driving limits, consecutive hours worked, and off-duty time. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation or fatigue remains a leading factor in big rig accidents. Some companies and drivers simply ignore the safety rules.
Truck Driver Fatigue Statistics
Here are some statistics about truck driver fatigue that have been compiled by FMCSA:
- Being awake for 18 hours is comparable to having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent. That is considered legally impaired. It comes with equal risk for a crash.
- Tired drivers make mistakes. In one study, three out of every four CMV drivers report having experienced at least one type of driving error as a result of drowsiness.
- Fatigue is a big problem. 13 percent of CMV drivers were deemed fatigued at the time of their crash. That figure comes from the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS).
Proving Truck Driver Fatigue After an Accident
If you were injured in an accident with a commercial truck, fatigue can be used to argue negligence and help you recover the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve. If you believe that drowsy driving was a factor in your collision, there are a few ways to prove it.
Our attorneys can obtain the evidence needed to support your claim. We can often access daily driving logs, company policies and handbooks, and other crucial pieces of information. Our attorneys may also be able to get a copy of the police report and statements from witnesses.
Get Free Help With Your Legal Case
Were you or a loved one seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a semi-truck? Our skilled attorneys are fully committed to helping you pursue justice and compensation.
Call 770-888-8901 for a free consultation with a member of our legal team. The Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC, serves Atlanta, Marietta, Cumming, and nearby areas of Georgia.
