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The very nature of truck driving is traveling long distances for several hours at a time. Unfortunately, this can be a recipe for fatigue. In order to combat preventable truck accidents caused by drowsy driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has created Hours of Service regulations that outline the maximum length of driving shifts, how often mandatory rest breaks must be taken, and how many hours must elapse between shifts. However, even with these regulations in place, some truck drivers choose to ignore these rules and place profit before safety. The results of this negligence can be devastating.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, contact an experienced lawyer at BD&J. Backed by years of experience and more than $1.5 billion* in recoveries, our seasoned team is ready to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Get started on your Fatigued Driving Accidents case by calling us at (855) 906-3699 or filling out our online form today!
The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
A study by AAA has shown that the risks of drowsy driving are alarmingly comparable to drunk driving. And, according to the CDC, being awake for 18 hours causes similar impairment to being under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05%. Many people who believe they were hit in a car accident by a drunk driver were actually struck by a drowsy driver. However, the consequences of both can be identical, and you still may be entitled to compensation as the victim.
Driving without adequate sleep has a number of negative consequences, including:
- Increased risk of drifting between lanes
- Decreased reaction time
- Increased risk of falling asleep behind the wheel
How Common is Drowsy Driving?
Drowsy driving is extremely common among truck drivers, unfortunately. Factors such as inadequate sleep, strenuous activities on the job and long work hours can contribute. While there are restrictions on how many hours truck drivers can drive in a week or at one time, they still allow fairly long amounts of driving: no more than 11 consecutive hours, and no more than 60 hours in a week, according to federal law.
A growing area of concern involves truck drivers with sleep apnea, which affects as many as one-third of all truck drivers. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing interruptions during sleep. Because this condition disrupts sleep, it can cause decreased alertness and performance during the day. This can make it difficult to react quickly, focus the eyes, and stay attentive while driving, especially for long periods of time.
Call Today for an Experience You Can Trust
There is no excuse for driving an 80,000-pound behemoth without adequate sleep. If you or a family member has been injured because of the carelessness of a commercial truck driver, do not hesitate to put a member of our team on your side today. Consultations are free and there are no fees unless we win your case.
We’re here to help. Call now to speak with a Los Angeles lawyer.
Contact us at (855) 906-3699 or fill out our online form to schedule a FREE case consultation with our attorneys.
