For any driver, falling asleep at the wheel poses a severe danger, but when the vehicle in question is a massive commercial truck, the consequences can be devastating. Truck drivers face unique challenges that amplify the risks of fatigue-related accidents, from long hours and tight schedules to the monotony of highway driving. A fatigued truck driver can put everyone on the road in danger of a severe, life-altering accident.
Causes and Effects of Truck Driver Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue stems from various factors. Irregular sleep patterns, long stretches of continuous driving, and pressure to meet delivery deadlines all contribute to exhaustion. The physical demands of loading and unloading cargo, coupled with poor diet and lack of exercise, can make them feel even more tired.
As fatigue sets in, drivers may experience microsleeps—brief, involuntary periods of unconsciousness that can last for several seconds—while their vehicle travels down the highway at high speeds. Additionally, fatigue can drastically affect a driver’s ability to operate their vehicles safely.
Reaction times slow significantly, which can make it difficult to respond to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. Judgment becomes impaired, leading to poor decision-making and increased risk-taking behavior. Fatigue also affects spatial awareness and concentration, causing drivers to drift between lanes or miss important road signs and signals. All of these factors can lead to a catastrophic collision.
What Happens If a Fatigued Driver Causes an Accident
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established strict hours of service regulations to combat fatigued driving. These rules limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate their vehicle within a given time frame and mandate rest periods.
For example:
- Truck drivers can only drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Truck drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for eight hours.
- Truck drivers may not drive more than 60/70 hours over 7/8 consecutive days.
Unfortunately, some truck drivers and trucking companies disregard these rules, which can heighten the risk of a collision. If you’re injured by a fatigued truck driver in Cincinnati, you have the right to file an insurance claim or lawsuit and recover compensation to pay for the losses that you suffered. However, you will need to provide strong evidence showing that the driver was fatigued or that they or their employer violated FMCSA requirements. An attorney can help you build a compelling case and fight for the compensation that you deserve.
How to Identify a Fatigued Truck Driver in Cincinnati
While it is not always possible to identify every instance of driver fatigue, there are several red flags to watch for on the road. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
- Drifting between lanes
- Erratic speed changes
- Tailgating
- Delayed reactions
- Missing exits or turns
- Frequent braking
- Swerving
- Driving on the shoulder
- Slow responses to traffic signals
- Inconsistent signaling
- Sudden corrective actions
Seek Justice with Monge & Associates Today
If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by driver fatigue, you need a lawyer on your side who can advocate for you. Monge & Associates has been fighting for the rights of accident victims since 1993. Our firm understands the complexities of truck accident cases and knows how to prove driver fatigue.
Contact Monge & Associates today at (513) 224-5591 or toll-free at (888) 302-7176 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Trust our Cincinnati truck accident lawyers to put our experience to work for you.