Anyone who takes to public roads in Texas may worry about collisions with tractor-trailers and other giant trucks. While untold numbers of trucks travel across the country without incident, publicized trucking accidents reveal dangers associated with these vehicles. Fatigue ranks as a common, dangerous factor when reviewing the causes of truck collisions.
Fatigue and truck driving accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Association points out that almost 40% of trucking accidents happen because drivers felt fatigued. A tired driver might not react fast enough when defensive skills become vital, and the driver could even fall asleep at the wheel when overly tired.
Due to the nature of the job, truck drivers find themselves spending long hours on the road. Federal and state regulations mandate that drivers take breaks to avoid feeling too tired from long hours. Although laws remain on the books, truck drivers and their employers might ignore those rules. A tired, mentally worn-out driver may then stay on the road presenting dangers to others.
Drivers might benefit from not ignoring the danger signs of fatigue. Starting to nod off or experiencing perception and memory issues might be severe red flags a driver might best not ignore. Remaining on the road when exhausted could result in a fatal collision. Rest stops exist for a reason.
Trucking collisions and fatigue
Of course, drivers should not take to the road under the influences or alcohol or drugs. The same advice could apply to legal drugs that contribute to fatigue.
Drivers that refuse to take safety measures when feeling tires could be liable for any trucking accidents. The same might be true of an employer who encourages fatigued driving by downplaying the importance of breaks or not enforcing them.
Accident victims could work with an attorney to file suit against negligent truckers and their employers. The attorney might explore insurance settlement options as well.
