According to the Department of Transportation, tiredness is a contributing factor in around 15% of truck accidents. Because they are fatigued, truck drivers are less able to respond as fast as they would if they were completely rested and alert. This makes it difficult for them to maintain their concentration on the road. In the worst-case scenario, a truck driver may really fall asleep behind the wheel while on the road.
Anyone who is behind the wheel of a car is at risk of getting involved in an accident if they are sleepy, but truck drivers are particularly vulnerable. Continue reading to learn about four reasons why being sleepy while driving a truck is extremely risky. If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by another person’s carelessness or recklessness, we invite you to call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
Truck drivers are more likely to drive at night than other types of drivers
Humans are designed to sleep when it is dark outside, and this is their natural condition. As a result, it is extremely difficult to remain awake and attentive throughout the night. Unfortunately, many long-distance truck drivers are forced to travel at night in order to complete their jobs on time and avoid being penalized.
Truck drivers frequently have inconsistent sleeping patterns
To be completely refreshed, a person needs seven to eight hours of undisturbed sleep per 24 hours in order to be at their best. Due to the nature of their work, truck drivers are not always able to do so. It is possible that they will have to get up at two in the morning to pick up a load one day, and then pick up a load at ten in the evening the following week. More concerning is that studies have revealed that when a worker does not adhere to a normal sleep pattern, he or she becomes increasingly fatigued.
Truck drivers are frequently subjected to pressure from their employers
Truck drivers are prohibited from working for an extended period of time if they are not receiving enough rest under federal regulations. Unfortunately, some businesses discover methods for their drivers to get past these regulations, and they do not provide them with the breaks they require, or they require them to drive for longer than the 70-hour limit imposed by the law.
Truck drivers are more likely than the general population to suffer from sleep apnea
According to a recent research conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, one out of every three commercial truck drivers suffers from sleep apnea. This might be due to the fact that there is a link between sleep apnea and obesity, and that a truck driver’s sedentary lifestyle makes them more likely to be overweight. Regardless of the cause, sleep apnea has been identified as a risk factor for sleepy driving in the United States.
If you have been injured in a truck, motorbike, or automobile accident, you may choose to consult with a personal injury lawyer. It is simple to obtain a free consultation – simply call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 and we will provide you with the finest legal counsel we can.
