Truck Driver Fatigue

The Danger of Truck Driver Fatigue

Were You Injured Because of a Truck Driver’s Negligence?

No matter what vehicle you are operating, driving while drowsy can dramatically increase the risk of an accident. One of the leading causes of 18-wheeler or commercial truck accidents is driver fatigue. This is due to the rigorous schedule to deliver goods that truckers face. This pressure requires truck drivers to work long hours. Many of those hours are usually performed at night. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that fatigue and drowsiness play a role in 56,000 accidents each year. They are resulting in over 40,000 injuries and 1,500 fatalities. Driver fatigue presents a significant danger to other motorists on the road.

Dangers of Driving Fatigued

Feeling sleepy or having trouble keeping your eyes open is only one form of driver fatigue. In general, any state of exhaustion is driver negligence. Additionally, fatigue can affect you by slowing down your reaction times. Also, it impairs your judgment and decreases awareness. Adelaide Centre for Sleep Research did a study on drivers. They found that drivers who have been awake for 24+ straight hours display driving capabilities equivalent to a person with a 0.1 blood alcohol content. Furthermore, this means a severely fatigued driver presents the same threat as one who is legally drunk.

Are there driving regulations to help prevent fatigue?

Yes. Trucking companies have the legal responsibility to protect the safety of their drivers and others traveling over the roadways. There are numerous laws and rules in place regulating truck drivers. The Hours of Service Rules are a set of regulations enacted to help prevent driver fatigue. These are crucial in reducing the risks of truck accidents.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforces several rules. These rules prevent commercial drivers from operating vehicles without proper time off duty.

Hours of Service Rules for Freight Trucks

  • 11 Hour Driving Limit – May drive a maximum of 11 consecutive hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • 14-hour limit – May not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty. Extended off duty time does not extend the 14-hour period.
  • Rest Breaks – May drive only if 8 hours or less have passed since the end of drivers last off duty or sleeper-berth period of at least 30 minutes.
  • 60/70-hour limit – May not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. Also, a driver may restart a 7/8 consecutive day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty

Contact A Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents caused by driver fatigue is an accident caused by negligence. Suppose you have been a victim of a truck accident caused by a fatigued driver. In that case, you have the right to file a personal injury claim holding the truck company and its driver liable for the emotional, physical, and financial damages you have suffered. You may have the right to file a wrongful death suit if you have lost a loved one due to a truck driver’s fatigue accident.

If you have been injured as the result of a truck accident, contact Walker Texas Lawyer today by calling 800-732-2934.

Dangers of Driving Fatigued

Feeling sleepy or having trouble keeping your eyes open is only one form of driver fatigue. In general, any state of exhaustion is driver negligence. Additionally, fatigue can affect you by slowing down your reaction times. Also, it impairs your judgment and decreases awareness. Adelaide Centre for Sleep Research did a study on drivers. They found that drivers who have been awake for 24+ straight hours display driving capabilities that are the equivalent of a person with a 0.1 blood alcohol content. Furthermore, this means a severely fatigued driver presents the same threat as a legally drunk driver.

Are there driving regulations to help prevent fatigue?

Yes. Trucking companies have the legal responsibility to protect not only their drivers’ safety but also others traveling over the roadways. There are numerous laws and rules in place regulating truck drivers. A set of regulations enacted to help prevent driver fatigue are the Hours of Service Rules. These are crucial in reducing the risks of truck accidents.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforces several rules. These rules prevent commercial drivers from operating vehicles without proper time off duty.

CALL

(713) 552-1117

FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Truck Accident Resources

I Have Been In An Accident In A Company Car, What Should I Do?

Being involved in an accident is a traumatic experience, and it becomes particularly complicated if the accident occurs while driving a company car. Not only do you need to handle the physical and emotional aftermath, but you also have to navigate the legal and...

18-Wheeler Underride Accidents in Texas & How to Recover Damages

18-Wheeler underride accidents are among the most severe truck accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. If you have been involved in a truck underride accident in Texas, seeking legal representation from a skilled attorney who can assist you...

Who Is Liable For Semi-Truck Accidents Caused By Mechanical Failure?

Semi-trucks are an essential part of the economy. However, they can also be extremely dangerous if they experience mechanical failures on the road. Mechanical failure is one of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents. Victims need to know who may be liable for...

Should You Call the Police After a Fender Bender in Texas?

Getting into a fender bender is always stressful and inconvenient, but it’s important to know when you should call the police. In Texas, there are certain circumstances where you need to call the police after a car accident. If you’re involved in an accident of any...

What To Do If You’re Involved In An Amazon Truck Accident

If you’ve been involved in a collision with an Amazon truck, the steps you take following the accident are crucial. Taking the wrong steps can lead to further complications and even legal issues. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure your...

Understanding The Causes Of Serious Commercial Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks are a common sight on American roads. They carry essential goods and materials around the country, without which our economy could not function. However, commercial truck accidents can also be severe and even fatal. It’s essential to understand the...

What to Avoid After a Truck Accident in Texas

Being involved in a truck accident is never an easy situation. It can be overwhelming and intimidating. If it’s your first time dealing with the aftermath of a wreck. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure that you don't make common mistakes after being...

Texas is a “AT-fault” state for car accidents

When you’re in a vehicle accident in Texas, the repercussions can stretch on for months, years, or even the rest of your life. Medical expenses lost income, and other costs can mount up after an accident. There are lots of results that happen after a wreck and these...

What to Do After a Stalled 18-Wheeler Accident

In 2019, over 4,100 people were killed in large truck accidents. Passenger vehicle occupants are often much more likely than truck drivers to be injured or killed because of the sheer size and weight of the truck.  In many situations, the truck driver...

Your Car Probably Has Computer Data On Your Accident

A device roughly comparable to airplane crash investigation devices can is often inside many modern vehicles. These records can record crucial data seconds leading up to impact (and sometimes even afterward). These devices allow automakers to make improvements based...

Not only does he put his full heart into everything that he does but he also fights very hard for the right cause and gets you what you deserve. He fights hard and tough but also stays extremely honest and so very kind to all of his clients. I’ve never met anyone in my life, a more motivated, strategic, go-getter lawyer than Walker. He changed my whole world with what he did for my family. We would have never been able to get the justice that was needed without him. I could never in my life thank him enough for what he did for my family. If you want someone strong willed, a fighter, and someone that goes above and beyond for justice and his clients…then you have found the right Law firm. I wish I could give a million stars cause 5 just isn’t enough. If you need to ask me about my experience personally feel free to message me. He never gave up on me….and I thank him beyond words.

Bri Heath

Practice Areas

Our Offices

Houston

Walker Texas Lawyer - (Principal Office)

3100 Timmons Ln Suite 401
Houston, Tx 77027

Directions

Call: (713) 552-1117

 

Pasadena

Walker Texas Lawyer - (Pasadena Office)

4008 Vista Rd Suite 202A
Pasadena, TX 77504

Directions

Call: (281) 843-5909

Related Blog Articles

Associations & Awards