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The Dangers of Fatigued Truck Drivers

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

The Dangers of Fatigued Truck Drivers

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

AskTheLawyers™

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Many people, after several years of driving experience, consider themselves to be safe and reliable on the road. Unfortunately, this attitude can lead some drivers to unknowingly push their physical and mental limits while driving. When a driver attempts to travel several hours without rest or ignores signs that they are growing tired and less focused, they can be involved in a serious accident.

Truck drivers are no exception to this problem. 18 wheelers are larger and heavier than standard compact cars, which makes it dangerous to encounter one in an unsafe situation. If a driver is doing something unsafe, but they are awake and alert, they can sometimes correct their actions before any damage or harm is done to themselves or others. However, if a driver is fatigued, their response time will likely be less certain, and more delayed. If a driver falls asleep behind the wheel, they immediately lose control of their vehicle and are unable to process their actions at all. The combination of large, heavy vehicles and late or nonexistent responses allows for many car collisions and other accidents that would not have occurred had the driver at fault been more alert.

Why are there so many fatigued truck drivers on the road?

18 wheeler drivers are often forced to meet tight deadlines by their employers. To reach these deadlines, they may resort to speeding, drug use, and staying awake longer than is healthy. Combine these factors with vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and you have a recipe for collisions.

Drivers on the road should always be mindful of those around them, and they should pay attention to vehicles that are being driven unsafely or in a suspicious manner. It is possible that the driver of the other car is fatigued and driving hazardously because they are unable to maintain their focus. Other drivers should react appropriately and ensure that they and the vehicle’s driver are both safe.

If you’re involved in an 18 wheeler collision, seek legal assistance immediately.

After a collision, a driver’s focus should be on healing and recovering financially from the accident, and they may not have the time or means to navigate a legal dispute with the other driver—especially if they do not know how to proceed with their case.

An attorney who has experience with 18 wheeler accidents can help affected drivers understand potential legal routes and if the other driver is responsible for any costs. They can help clarify complex insurance and law concepts, investigate the details of the accident, and help their client fight for the best possible outcome in the dispute. Accidents involving fatigued truck drivers may be serious—and can cause damage to all involved parties if they aren’t avoided—but lawyers can help victims recover quickly and get back on the road safely and confidently.

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