In addition, a March 2012 study by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) found that at least one out of every ten transportation workers in America, including truck drivers, reports being severely sleep deprived, to the point where it may affect their ability to operate machinery safely. It is estimated that about 13 percent of truck accidents are associated with fatigued drivers. These scary statistics point out a major source of danger on our roads. 

 

Driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving while drunk. If you are a truck driver or an employer of truck drivers, you should make an effort to regularize schedules as much as possible to prevent fatigue. Even if truck drivers must work at night, a consistent sleep schedule can drastically improve their alertness during working hours. The law states that truck drivers cannot drive for more than 12 hours at a time, but some drivers violate this law. You should never try to push the limits. If you suffer from chronic sleepiness, you should seek professional help from a truck accident attorney. 

 

While sleep deprivation may make some truck drivers dangerous on the road, it is estimated that 75% of truck accidents are caused by the drivers of other vehicles—not the truck driver. We can all do our part to make our roads safer. 

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact experienced truck accident attorney Jason E. Taylor.