Accidents involving large trucks happen for different reasons, including drunk driving, phone use behind the wheel, speeding and bad road conditions. That said, it is critical for truck drivers, trucking companies and all road users to understand the risks associated with truck driver fatigue. Truckers can become fatigued for various reasons, and drowsiness is especially dangerous with a driver operating such a massive vehicle.
Sadly, fatigue continues to cause many large truck collisions which can leave victims with various injuries and even claim lives.
Risk factors that can lead to truck driver fatigue
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration addresses some of the factors that can result in truck driver fatigue. Inadequate sleep can cause truckers to become drowsy, including chronic sleep disorders and one-off periods of insufficient sleep. In addition, truck drivers can feel tired when driving at certain times, such as late in the afternoon and early in the morning.
Drowsiness can also affect truck drivers who take certain medications. In fact, a poor diet can impact sleep and increase the chances of driver fatigue. Driving for long periods of time and adjusting to a new schedule can also result in truck driver fatigue.
The consequences of truck driver fatigue
Truckers who fall asleep behind the wheel, doze off momentarily or struggle to focus on the road due to fatigue pose a serious threat. Large trucks are especially deadly when an accident happens and it can take truckers longer to come to a stop. Victims could suffer significant injuries, from broken bones and brain damage to spinal cord injuries and deep lacerations. In some instances, truck driver fatigue results in a deadly accident.