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Almost everyone is aware of the dangers of driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs. Fewer people realize that driving while fatigued, also known as drowsy driving, can be just as dangerous. Every driver is at risk of drowsy driving. However, truckers may be more likely to drive while fatigued than other drivers. They face immense pressure to deliver their loads on time, which can tempt them to keep driving, even if they are exhausted. They are often set up for failure by their employers but making unreasonable demands on the drivers. Life on the road can be unpredictable, making it difficult to sleep. Moreover, driving for long hours can be monotonous, making it difficult for people to stay awake.
State and federal laws target drowsy driving to keep truckers and others on the road safe. For example, federal law dictates not only how many hours a trucker can drive in a day but also the total number of hours they can work over a series of days. While these laws may reduce the risk of drowsy driving, they do not eliminate it, especially since hours are often self-reported.
If you have been injured by a fatigued truck driver in a Pinellas Park accident, the drowsy driver or their employer may be financially responsible for your damages. One of our experienced truck accident lawyers can help you by reviewing your case and exploring your legal options for financial recovery.
To understand why drowsy driving is so risky for truckers, it is helpful to understand life on the road. While a lack of sleep can impair any trucker, long-distance truckers may be at the highest risk.
Contrary to what many people think, trucking is a challenging profession. Active sitting, as a driver does while operating a vehicle, is much more physically and mentally challenging than people think. It leaves drivers without a physical outlet for cortisol and other stress hormones, leading them to accumulate and pose a risk of stress and anxiety.
When the trucker is finally able to stop at the end of the day, they may only have a little time to eat a meal, attend to their personal needs, and connect with people back home before getting some sleep. However, getting enough sleep is not the same as getting some sleep. Truckers may suffer from insomnia and end up getting little to no sleep, which can leave them irritated and fatigued the next day.
For this reason, drug use is relatively common among truckers. They may rely on over-the-counter products, prescribed medications, or illegal drugs. Some truckers will take medications to help them get to sleep and then other drugs to wake them up in the morning. This cycle can make it more difficult to sleep, resulting in underlying long-term fatigue, which can increase the risk of truck crashes in Pinellas County.
Truckers should familiarize themselves with the signs of truck driver drowsiness to try to prevent accidents in Pinellas Park. If the driver is struggling to keep their eyes open or their head upright, they should stop at the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so. Sore eyes and excessive yawning are often early signs of fatigue. Drifting in and out of lanes can also be an indicator of sleepiness.
It is difficult to recognize the cognitive decline that comes with drowsiness. These drivers will experience slower reaction times, short-term memory fuzziness, and reduced situational awareness. Exhaustion can also lead to some red-flag behaviors. Law enforcement officers usually look for drivers who drift between lanes, brake erratically, accelerate, make extended stops at lights, tailgate, and engage in other reckless driving habits.
If you are driving on the road and notice any of these behaviors from a trucker or another driver, it may be a potential warning that they are tired, distracted, or under the influence. Exercise caution around them to keep yourself safe.
Many people are unaware that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. However, unlike driving while intoxicated, it is possible for people to unintentionally drive while tired.
Regardless of their intent, fatigued truck drivers in Pinellas Park accidents can cause severe damage or even death to other road users. If you suffered injuries in one of these accidents, call our experienced legal team at Herman & Wells to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about your legal rights and options.
