The Trucking Industry’s Drowsy Driver Problem

Accidents involving trucks are some of the most catastrophic. The impact that a large and heavy truck has on a much smaller vehicle is significant. There are around 5,000 people that lose their lives and more than 150,000 major injuries as a result of crashes with trucks throughout the United States each year. There is a myriad of reasons why trucks have accidents. Smaller vehicles may be harder to see, there may be alcohol or drugs involved in driving, the truck driver may have had poor training, distracted driving could have been a factor just like drowsy driving could be at play.

It is a well-known problem in the trucking industry that drivers have an issue with operating their trucks while sleepy. Driver fatigue is a huge problem in the industry and is responsible for 40% of all accidents where a truck is involved. As an occupation, driving a truck isn’t an easy job. Drivers have to work long hours, deal with traffic, cope with boredom, and their life on the road is often lonely to boot. The stressful schedules that their employers mandate and their initiative to take on more so that they can make extra cash are all motivating factors for truck drivers to push the limits. Skipping naps or rest time, cutting short sleep, or even taking drugs to stay awake take their toll and have serious negative impacts on the driver who under those circumstances becomes a danger to everyone else on the road.

Regulations In The Trucking Industry

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) indicates that there are guidelines for rest and sleep that truckers must follow. Some of these regulations include:

• A driver may not drive more than 11 consecutive hours during 14 hours after 10 straight hours off duty
• A halt in driving after 60 hours of on the job driving for 7 days
• After working for seven days straight there must be 34 straight hours off of work

The statistics were overwhelming relating to the dire need for guidelines to help truckers get the rest they need. That is why these regulations were enacted. Because trucks can cause so much damage drivers must engage in all the safety precautions available and are as alert as possible while they are on the road. While any vehicle can cause significant damages, a truck has a higher risk of causing cataclysmic accidents.

Where To Find Truck Accident Attorneys In Arizona

After an accident where you were injured, the Phoenix serious injury attorney at ELG can help you with your personal injury claim. If you lost a loved one in a serious accident, we also offer help with wrongful death claims. 

The Arizona truck accident attorneys at ELG will fight aggressively against the insurance companies so that you see your full legal justice after your accident experience. We are dedicated to helping victims in the state of Arizona. Call ELG today at either our Pheonix or Mesa personal injury law offices at 623-562-3838 to have your claim reviewed by one of our knowledgeable attorneys today.