What do being awake for 18 hours and being intoxicated have in common? They both impair truck drivers equally. According to numerous studies, being awake for long periods of times is comparable to having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent – the legal limit in Florida – and increases the chances of a truck accident exponentially. Pressure to make up time and work while sick often causes truck drivers to exercise bad judgment. They take risks that they normally wouldn’t take in order to do their job. The end result sometimes involves horrific traffic accidents with fatalities. To prevent truckers from driving while fatigued or ill, companies nationwide are addressing this serious issue in a number of ways. Smart glasses and mobile applications monitor the speed at which truck drivers blink. This helps warn them when they are headed for fatigue. Safe truckers will take a short break, stretch their legs, eat a healthy meal and even nap to overcome the fatigue.
Leading Reasons
The most common causes of trucker fatigue are:
- driving for too many hours without stopping;
- eating too quickly;
- lack of exercise;
- taking medication that causes drowsiness;
- lack of restful sleep.
To avoid accidents, it imperative that drivers recognize the signs of drowsy driving and avoid doing it at all costs.
Fatigue-Related Crashes on the Rise
There were thousands of fatigue-related truck accidents last year, some involving fatalities. Knowing the consequences of driving while drowsy helps drivers make informed decisions about how long they drive before taking a break or turning in for the night.
Truckers who experience fatigue while driving have options. They can pull into a truck stop and rest before finishing their haul. They can maintain good health by eating nutritious food, hydrating often and avoiding medication that makes them sleepy. Truck drivers who exercise regularly and refrain from .drugs and alcohol are often the most alert.
A Trucker's Poor Decision Can Hurt You
Brevard County motorists injured by a fatigued truck driver may sue if the accident leaves them injured and unable to work. In Florida truck injury cases, compensation for mental pain and anguish is often sought, as is a sufficient sum to pay the ever-growing pile of medical bills. If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of a careless truck driver or trucking company, you need an experienced big rig accident attorney in Melbourne who will fight for your rights so you can focus on recovery. Couture Law P.A. specializes in such cases. Our consultations are free, and there is no cost to you unless we secure compensation on your behalf.