Truckers drive many miles over long hours. They’re hauling heavy loads in large trucks with trailers attached, which means they always need to be prepared to handle obstacles that come up while they’re on the road. Unfortunately, there are instances in which they might suffer from fatigue.
It is never safe for a trucker to drive when fatigue sets in. There are temporary measures that can boost their alertness; however, these aren’t suitable as long-term solutions. Even drinking coffee and opening the windows in the cab will only have limited effectiveness.
When a trucker is forced to drive when they’re drowsy, the impacts are similar to that of driving while intoxicated. Getting less than five hours of sleep at night can lead to this impact but it can also come from driving too many hours between sleeping shifts.
The issue with fatigued trucking is that it is fully preventable. Truckers should be empowered to stop and rest when they feel the need. Trucking companies often try to outbid their competition, part of which means promising a quick delivery. This puts the pressure on the trucker to make it to the destination quickly, which can lead to them skimping on sleep or using unsafe driving measures to get there.
Individuals who suffer injuries in fatigued trucking crashes should ensure they get the medical care they need. They may opt to pursue a claim for compensation, so looking into the circumstances surrounding the crash can help them to determine who to hold accountable in the lawsuit. More than one party might be named because the trucking company might hold some liability.