From the use of drugs or alcohol to negligent maintenance and excessive speeds, large truck wrecks have many causes. Sometimes, these accidents happen because a truck driver is too tired and never should have been on the road. Known as truck driver fatigue, this can be very dangerous, especially for someone who is in control of a massive vehicle that can take longer to come to a full stop. Whether you are a large truck driver, a truck accident victim, or are worried about a truck accident, reviewing information on fatigue could help.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has provided some helpful information on truck driver fatigue. The FMCSA draws attention to a study which found that among those who drove a commercial motor vehicle that was involved in an accident, 13 percent were believed to have been suffering from fatigue when the wreck occurred. Trucker fatigue can interfere with a driver’s ability to safely operate his or her truck and happens for many reasons. Sometimes, fatigue is the result of over-exertion and working for too long. However, other causes include failure to get enough sleep and the use of over-the-counter medication.
To make matters worse, some truck drivers may believe that by drinking coffee they can avoid the performance-impairing consequences of fatigue. Sadly, some truck drivers choose to get in their trucks while they are fatigued, ultimately causing a wreck that never should have taken place. If you are suffering because of this behavior, you should review your legal rights.