Massachusetts Personal Injury Library

Truck Accidents and Driver Fatigue (Part B)

Why Truck Accidents Occur

Anyone can be susceptible to driving fatigue, but the National Sleep Foundation finds that commercial truck drivers and shift workers have the highest risk of driving fatigue accidents. In particular, they find that long-haul drivers who are on the road for long periods of time have a very high risk of driving fatigue accidents.

Policymakers have attempted to address driving fatigue by placing limits on how long truck drivers can be behind the wheel. In 2004, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), new limits were placed on commercial truck drivers. Now, long-haul truck drivers are supposed to have a 10-hour break before driving for more than 11 hours. However, the IIHS has found that these new regulations have not decreased driver fatigue among truck drivers. In fact, truck accidents caused by drowsy driving have only increased.

The Most Dangerous Time for Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can occur at any time of the day, but accidents caused by driver fatigue are more likely to occur at certain times. According to SmartMotorist.com, driving fatigue accidents are most likely to occur between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., and also around 2 p.m. in the afternoon. Since only so many truck drivers admit to falling asleep behind the wheel, this problem is only growing.

Truck Accident Injuries Caused by Driver Fatigue

Driving fatigue gets far less media or legislative attention than drunk driving, but both can be equally dangerous. Driver fatigue causes thousands of injuries and fatal car accidents each year.

In some cases, you should seek compensation for the injuries suffered in a truck accident caused by a drowsy driver. Call a Boston trucking accident lawyer to evaluate your legal options and find the liable or negligent party.

Call today for a Free Case Evaluation: 1-888-208-1695.