When Exhaustion Takes the Wheel: Driver Fatigue and Commercial Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks are massive vehicles that are much larger and heavier than passenger cars and trucks. As goods are shipped throughout the United States, large trucks travel on major highways and local roads, and they may become involved in collisions. While there are many factors that may play a role in truck accidents, driver fatigue stands out as one of the most dangerous. A driver of a commercial vehicle who falls asleep or loses focus due to exhaustion can put everyone around them at risk.
The Scope of the Problem With Truck Driver Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue is common as long-haul trucks travel long distances. It is a factor in a significant number of truck accidents. A study performed by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine estimated that driver fatigue plays a role in 10 to 20% of all truck accidents. Other studies have resulted in higher estimates, and fatigue could potentially be a factor in around 40% of the truck accidents that take place throughout the United States.
The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that in 2023, there were around 528,000 commercial trucks involved in traffic collisions. These accidents resulted in around 114,000 injuries and more than 5,000 fatalities. If driver fatigue was a factor in 10 to 20% of these accidents, it may have been to blame for 11,000 to 22,000 injuries and 500 to 1,000 fatalities in 2023 alone.
Why Truck Drivers May Become Fatigued
The demanding nature of driving a commercial truck can lead to exhaustion, drowsiness, and other issues related to fatigue. Factors that can increase the risks of fatigue for truck drivers include:
Pressure to Meet Deadlines
Truck drivers are often expected to deliver loads within tight windows. The need to complete deliveries as quickly as possible can push them to drive long hours and continue driving even when they are fatigued.
Long Hours Behind the Wheel
While the laws and regulations that apply to commercial truck drivers limit how long they can drive during each shift, they may still experience fatigue. If a truck driver does not receive enough sleep between shifts, or if their rest time is interrupted, they will be more likely to experience fatigue.
Irregular Sleep Schedules
Truck drivers may work overnight shifts, or they may rotate between day and night driving. Irregular schedules can disrupt a person’s ability to receive enough sleep. The quality of sleep may be lower, and truck drivers may not get enough rest to prevent them from becoming tired or drowsy while driving.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep apnea is a common condition that affects commercial truck drivers. Other sleep disorders may also affect the quality of sleep that a truck driver receives. When a person does not get enough rest while sleeping, they may become fatigued regardless of how many hours they spend in bed.
The Risks of Fatigue for Truck Drivers
When a commercial truck driver is fatigued, they can put other motorists at risk of serious injuries. Fatigue can affect a truck driver’s ability to brake in time, maintain position within a lane, and react to changes in traffic. When a person is fatigued, they may experience microsleep episodes in which they briefly lose consciousness.
In many cases, a fatigued truck driver will not realize that their ability to maintain control of their vehicle is impaired. When a truck driver closes their eyes for several seconds, they may cover a long distance without being in control of their vehicle. They may drift out of their lane, which can lead to sideswipe accidents, or head-on collisions may occur if they drift into oncoming traffic. A brief loss of consciousness may also cause a truck to collide with another vehicle from the rear, or a truck may strike another vehicle while traveling through an intersection. These accidents are likely to result in serious injuries for people in other vehicles.
Addressing Truck Accident Injuries With the Help of an Attorney
People who have been injured in commercial truck accidents may encounter a wide variety of complex legal issues. Determining whether driver fatigue was responsible for causing a truck accident and taking steps to hold a negligent truck driver or trucking company responsible is not always easy. A personal injury lawyer with experience handling truck accident claims can provide guidance on the best steps to take in these cases, and they can advocate on behalf of an injury victim to help them recover financial compensation for the harm they have suffered.
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.