With this in mind, it is important to be aware of how trucker drowsiness can cause accidents and what you can do about it if you are involved in one.
Why Do Truckers Become Sleep Deprived?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has guidelines on how often drivers can drive without taking breaks, but this does not mean that drivers necessarily adhere to these rules. If a driver skips one of these breaks to complete their trip faster, they are actually putting themselves and others at risk. According to drowsydriving.org, skipping sleep can cause impaired reaction time, slowed motor skills, aggressive behaviors, and decreased performance. This drowsiness can also be caused by a medical condition like sleep apnea, which, if unaddressed, can have the same dangers.
What Can I Do If I Was Injured By A Drowsy Driver?
Commercial truckers on the road can be a liability, especially if their driving is impaired. Fortunately, a semi-truck accident attorney can help you navigate the details of this liability, working to get you the compensation you deserve. Remember that drivers are required to know when it is time to pull off the road and are required to adhere to certain driving standards. You and your trucking accident attorney can work together to prove that the driver did not follow the driving standards and was behaving carelessly.
If you were involved in a trucking accident, remember to gather as much evidence as possible to prove that you were not at fault. This can include photos, videos, and witnesses. Accidents in the trucking industry are particularly tricky because the drivers usually have a strong defense team behind them. But an experienced trucking lawyer knows the trucking lawyers’ tactics, and will do what is necessary to win the case and recover just compensation for your injuries.