Truck crashes are a problem on America’s highways. 4,764 people died in crashes with large trucks in 2022, 66% of them passengers in other vehicles. 35% of accidents happened on Interstates and freeways, but 16% occurred on minor roads. Our Wichita personal injury lawyer is ready to help if you or a loved one were hurt in a highway collision.
There were 401 injury-causing truck accidents in Kansas during 2022, and 61 fatal accidents, out of a total of 1,456 semi-truck accidents.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is a significant factor in many truck crashes on Kansas highways, and studies have shown that fatigue is a factor in around 13% of truck accidents. Truck drivers often face immense pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, leading many to drive well beyond the federally mandated limit of 11 hours of driving per day. Drowsy driving impairs judgment and reaction times similar to drunk driving. Fatigued truckers are more likely to drift out of their lane or react slowly to changing road conditions. Their huge trucks become deadly weapons when driven in an impaired state.
Kansas’ Role as a Major Trucking Route
Kansas’ central location makes it a major route for long-haul trucking across the United States. Major interstates like I-70 and I-35 see high volumes of semi-truck traffic hauling goods coast to coast. This steady flow of fatigued truckers and the monotony of cruising down endless plains puts Kansas motorists at heightened risk. Drowsy truckers cause horrific multi-vehicle pile-ups that claim numerous lives each year. Crashes are especially likely late at night when drivers’ circadian rhythms make them most tired.
Possible Solutions
Clearly, more needs to be done to combat the role of driver fatigue in truck crashes. More rest stops, parking areas, and ‘no parking’ restrictions could reduce the temptation for truckers to drive beyond safe limits. Strict enforcement of hours of service limits by state patrol and inspection stations may deter violations. The Kansas legislature should consider laws requiring mandatory sleep breaks for long hauls. Trucking companies must also do their part by not rewarding unsafe scheduling that pressures drivers. Only through such concerted efforts can Kansas begin to remedy this recipe for tragedy on our roads.
Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer in Kansas
If you are injured in a truck accident, it is highly advisable to work with an experienced truck accident lawyer from Monge & Associates. Truck crashes often result in severe injuries that lead to huge medical bills and lost income. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers typically work aggressively to minimize payouts. An attorney levels the playing field by thoroughly investigating the crash, identifying all liable parties, calculating full damages, and negotiating for fair compensation. We know how to navigate the complex legal process and build the strongest case for maximum recovery for your injuries and losses.
With so much at stake, having a qualified truck accident lawyer at your side is essential.
Monge & Associates has offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Kansas, South Carolina, and Washington.
Contact us online now for a free consultation or call (888) 477-0597 if you have been injured in a truck accident caused by a fatigued driver in Kansas.