October 20, 2020 How Common is Driver Fatigue Between Truck Drivers?

Some of the possible dangers that can result from a combination of driving long distances and fatigue.

We are all aware of the health dangers of truck driving. But if you drive a long distance, as most truck drivers do, then you know how serious this can be. What are some of the possible dangers to yourself and others that could result from a combination of driving and fatigue?

The danger of truck driver fatigue is obvious when a long trip is involved. As we all know, trucks can transport their loads for days on end. If you take a long trip you will experience a lot of stress on your body. In addition to the obvious effects of exhaustion on your body, you may also suffer from nausea and dizziness.

Effects of fatigue

The effects of fatigue may actually worsen a situation that already has problems. That’s because when you are fatigued, you can become more irritable, moody, and even get into arguments with other drivers. You may not be as focused on the road as you should be.

It is estimated that in the United States alone, nearly one in five truck drivers will experience this type of fatigue during any given year. These are not just regular drivers who have their own vehicles. They are heavy truck drivers who spend a lot of time behind the wheel of the trucks that pull their goods.

This type of fatigue can become dangerous to you and others on the road. It may affect your judgment, which can cause you to make decisions that could cost money, damage someone else’s property, or cause a wreck. If your judgment is affected, then you may find it difficult to handle a situation in which another driver is speeding, tailgating, or pulling alongside you.

Drowsiness

If you suffer from fatigue, you may feel drowsy at the wheel and that makes it harder to stay alert and focused. The longer you ride in the truck, the less alert you will become. When driving for long periods of time, you may start to become distracted by your surroundings. This leads to a number of other problems.

If you have a drink while driving or use drugs, it can further impair and affect your ability to focus. Because you are tired, you may be less attentive to what is going on around you. You may miss roadside hazards and be a risk to other drivers. You may also become reckless as you feel more tired and restless.

Prone to accidents

It is a fact that you become more likely to be involved in accidents when you drive for long hours. Keep in mind the possible dangers of long trips when you drive for long hours.

If you suffer from fatigue you can lack driving judgment. You may not make safe decisions at all. Further, you may even make more mistakes than you did before. Your judgment may get progressively worse, and you may feel as if you are driving blind and unable to make good decisions about things that could cause you harm or death.

A Final Thought on Truck Accidents

Truck driver fatigue seriously affects your judgment and concentration. If you have the misfortune of being involved in a truck driving accident, St. Louis car accident lawyers Hipskind and Mcaninch can help you to weigh your legal options.

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