Truck driver fatigue is and has been an issue in many fatal accidents. It is believed to have accounted for approximately ten percent of all fatal car crashes between 2009 and 2011. The safety of commercial drivers deteriorates quickly when fatigue is a factor. These drivers work long hours and have irregular work schedules. Many truck drivers take adequate off-duty time and frequent short rest breaks while driving to stay safe.
One study looked at the impacts of off-duty time and short rest breaks on the safety of commercial truck driving. They found that when a driver increased the total rest break time, there were fewer truck-related crashes due to fatigue. In the same way, having more rest breaks helped reduce the number of fatigue-related crashes. Two rest breaks seem adequate for a ten-hour trip. More rest breaks don’t seem to add to safety. The duration of the rest break should be about 30 minutes. The rest breaks shouldn’t be too soon after starting the trip because such breaks would be less effective.