Commercial Driver Fatigue
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer. Commercial driving has been a backbone of this country’s economy for many years and will continue to be so in the future. These drivers haul large amounts of supplies and equipment long distances, helping to keep small businesses running. The pressure to bring these supplies to its destination as quickly as possible contributes to truck driver fatigue.
Statistics on Driving While Fatigued
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put together a report on drowsy driving in the United States. The statistics help demonstrate just how serious a problem this is. The report found that:
- In the past thirty days, more than 4 percent of Americans acknowledged to falling asleep while driving.
- In 2013, over 70,000 car accidents were found to have been caused by fatigued driving.
- These accidents led to over 40,000 injuries and close to 1,000 deaths.
One of the occupational fields prone to falling asleep while driving, based on this report, is commercial drivers. This includes those who drive trucks or tractor-trailers across the country.
Limitations of Commercial Driving
Over the past few years, the issue of fatigue related to commercial driving has been significant. In this field, many of the drivers are paid by the mile. The more miles they drive, the more money they often make. Because of this pay scale, there is a significant pressure in the field to try and drive more miles because this could lead to a larger paycheck. Due to this temptation, there have been limitations set that tries to monitor the number of miles that truck drivers are able to drive. Unfortunately, this may not be enough.
Potentially Questionable Behavior
According to CMV Driving Safety, despite these new regulations, commercial driver fatigue still plays a significant role in thousands of truck accidents every year. There are many reasons for this, including:
- Pressure from management
- Greater pay for more miles
- Conditions of the vehicle
- Conditions of the roads
There have also been issues related to drivers falsifying their miles and hours logs, relying on caffeine to stay awake, and even trying to turn to other potentially illicit drugs to fix their fatigue. This can lead to serious auto accidents and potentially catastrophic personal injuries. Because of the size of commercial trucks, the traumatic injuries that people could wind up with are particularly severe. This has the potential to place families in dire situations, wondering where they are going to turn next. After receiving professional medical care, there are helping hands available that can assist a family with getting back on their feet.
Help with Legal Issues Related to Commercial Driving
It can be helpful to learn some of the warning signs of driver fatigue. Some examples include:
- Blinking or yawning more often than usual.
- Failing to remember some of the road signs that were recently passed.
- Driving on a rumble strip repeatedly.
- Missing an intended exit ramp or getting off at the wrong exit.
- Starting to sway or drift from the lane.
- Forgetting items at home.
- Spacing out during a conversation.
If someone has been involved in an accident involving a truck, they could have sustained serious injuries and property damage. This type of an accident can place families under a significant amount of stress. Individuals and their loved ones might be wondering how the accident happened. They could have trouble figuring out how they are going to make ends meet. If health insurance denies their claims, this can only make the situation worse. This is where an experienced car accident attorney in Sacramento can provide some key assistance. Do not be nervous about reaching out for help. It could make a key difference.
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Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer. Anyone who has been hurt in an accident with a truck can call me at (916) 921-6400 and receive friendly, free legal advice. I also have a toll-free line: (800) 404-5400.
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