Trucks’ large size and weight mean they constitute a significant risk on the road. Truck drivers go through significant training and are heavily regulated, but even a single moment of improper operation can lead to a catastrophic accident. Drowsiness and truck driver fatigue are especially prevalent and are responsible for a large portion of fatal truck accidents.
If you have sustained an injury in an accident due to a fatigued truck driver, contact Schwaba Law Firm today. Commercial trucking companies are typically responsible for injuries and harm their drivers cause, and you may have a claim for financial compensation. The truck accident attorneys at Schwaba Law can help you file a claim and recover the compensation you are owed.
Contact us today to speak to a truck accident attorney serving Wisconsin.
What Is Truck Driver Fatigue?
Truck driver fatigue occurs when a truck driver drives in a state of drowsiness or exhaustion. It is usually the result of truck drivers overextending their hours and driving too much without enough rest in between hauls. Fatigue significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate a truck and is a major contributor to accidents.
Statistics on Accidents Due to Truck Driver Fatigue
According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver fatigue is associated with about 13 percent of all trucking accidents in the US, more than distracted driving and illegal truck maneuvers. About 60 percent of truck drivers say that they have driven drowsy before, and nearly one in two say they have actually fallen asleep behind the wheel before.
According to a paper published in the journal Transaction on the Built Environment, about half of all fatigued truck driver accidents occur between midnight and eight in the morning despite trips scheduled during those hours making up only about 20 percent of all trips. Another study found that upwards of one in five truck drivers report having some kind of sleep problem, and the average truck driver sleeps less than six hours per night.
Common Causes of Truck Driver Fatigue
The most common causes of truck driver fatigue are sleep deprivation and driving long hours. Truck drivers typically get paid per mile they drive and sometimes take a percentage of the value of the loads they deliver. This type of payment structure incentivizes truck drivers to drive as many hours as they can, so there is a real risk of driving too fatigued. Because they drive so much, truck drivers may have poor diet and exercise routines, which exacerbates driving while tired.
Fatigued driving is also a common result of driving long hours at night, which disturbs the body’s circadian rhythm. It may also occur due to overuse of OTC and prescription medication, as well as illicit substances. Allergy medications, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, muscle relaxers, and nausea drugs are all relatively common drugs that may cause sleepiness and drowsiness as a side effect.
Risks and Consequences of Fatigued Driving
Distracted driving is a major cause of trucking accidents because drowsiness can reduce reaction time and attention span. Trucks move at high speeds on highways and interstates, so even a few seconds of reduced reaction time can result in a nasty crash and a near miss. A lack of sleep also makes it harder to concentrate, so drivers may not see other cars or pedestrians on the road. Truck drivers who are constantly fatigued when driving may also turn to stimulant use to stay awake, which can further compromise judgment and increase the risk of an accident.
Anyone who has seen a truck accident knows the kind of extreme damage they can cause. Fully loaded trucks can weigh over 80,000 pounds, and their taller carriage collides with cars at the windshield level, directing the accident forces at the car’s driver. Trucks also cause severe accidents when the momentum of the trailer causes the driver to lose control. A truck accident can easily kill other drivers and cause multi-car pile-ups on the road.
Federal and State Regulations on Truck Driver Fatigue
In order to combat the danger of fatigued and drowsy truck driving, the federal government heavily regulates how many consecutive hours truck drivers engaged in interstate commerce can operate a truck. The FMCSA mandates that truck drivers can only drive 11 hours per every 14-hour work window or work.
Truck drivers must also have at least ten hours off duty after each shift. If a truck driver feels too fatigued to complete a route, they have the discretion to pull over and discontinue the trip until they feel rested and ready to drive. Additionally, truck drivers must take a mandatory 30-minute driving break every eight hours of driving.
Overall, truck drivers must drive no more than 60 hours over seven days if their carrier operates every day of the week and 70 hours over eight consecutive days if their carrier operates every day of the week. If a driver hits the 70-hour cap, then they must rest for 34 consecutive hours over at least two nights before they can return to driving. For trucks with a separate sleeper berth, the driver must spend at least eight hours in the berth when off-duty.
Contact Our Wisconsin Truck Accident Lawyers for Help After a Crash
Truck driver fatigue is a real threat on the road, and truck accident victims deserve restitution when irresponsible drives or trucking company policies cause them harm. If you have sustained an injury due to a commercial truck accident, the attorneys at Schwaba Law Firm make your financial recovery our priority. We will help you file a claim against the responsible entities and hold them accountable for paying for the injuries they cause. Our attorneys are fierce negotiators and litigators who will fight to protect your rights and interests. We won’t back down or settle for less, and neither should you.
Contact Schwaba Law Firm online or give us a call today to receive a free case consultation from a commercial truck accident attorney in Wisconsin.
