Truck drivers often operate on little to no sleep, especially when traveling long distances. Although most truck drivers make it safely to their destinations, there are cases in which the truck or the driver never does. The issue of truck driver fatigue has been long debated and relatively ignored over the decades, which is cause for concern. Not all 18 wheeler accidents are fatal, but the damage involved, and the delays in traffic are costly for everyone on the roadways.
Federal trucking regulations outline the requirements for each truck driver. They go over what is not prohibited and what is prohibited while on the road, as well as the hours of operation for driving. There is an allotted amount of hours a truck driver is allowed to drive in one sitting without resting, but often these regulations are ignored in order to meet deadlines. Having fatigued truck drivers on the road leads to inattentive truck driving which has the potential to result in serious injury.
Being on the road for significant amounts of time can also lead to boredom, directly affecting the attention of the driver. Drivers who distract themselves with a mobile or wireless device while driving can lead to head-on collisions, loss of control, swerving and speeding. When truck drivers are distracted, they put multiple people in danger. Anyone who has ever been injured by the negligence of a distracted or fatigued driver understands the frustration behind this epidemic.
The occurrence of tractor-trailer accidents can be diminished by consistently monitoring truck driver progress, sleeping schedules and hours worked. However, accidents can still happen. If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler crash, speaking with a lawyer may be the best course of action to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.