Auto accidents are devastating occurrences that rock the world of those involved. Even a small fender-bender can result in loads of stress and psychological torment.
Accidents with large, commercial-grade trucks are in a category of their own. While typical auto accidents are a bad thing, the destruction and pain that a truck accident can cause is even greater. Trucks are larger, carry more weight, and are harder to maneuver. Taken together, these factors can lead to some SERIOUSLY devastating accidents.
Sleep Deprivation and Trucking Accidents
Aside from the factors mentioned above, sleep deprivation is also present in many trucking accidents. Given the nature of the trucking industry, lack of sleep is a common struggle for many drivers. Constant deadlines and long hours on the road contribute to a culture which highly values punctuality, but pays little mind to the safety and well-being of drivers.
The data supports this viewpoint. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FCMSA) notes that 13 percent of Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers were reported to be fatigued at the time of a serious crash. Furthermore, previous findings by the National Transportation Safety Board suggest truckdriver fatigue is a contributing factor in 30 to 40 percent of all heavy truck accidents.
Clearly fatigue (sleep deprivation) is a relevant factor while assessing the cause of trucking accidents. This is alarming, as sleep and driver fatigue is something that is completely within the control of drivers and trucking companies.
Potential Solutions
Given the problem that sleep deprivation clearly poses for truck drivers, efforts have been made at the regulatory level to help combat this issue.
Currently, the FCMSA has hours of service regulations in place for truck drivers carrying both cargo and passengers. For trucks carrying cargo, drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. For trucks carrying passengers, it’s lowered to 10 hours driving, following 8 consecutive hours off duty.
While there are regulations in place, some question if this is enough to make a difference. Even though drivers are required to spend at least 8-10 hours off duty before returning to the road, it’s not a guarantee that drivers will use this period to sleep, or even rest.
As suggested by the NIH, improving the quality of amenities offered at trucking stops, as well as the implementation of physical and mental health wellness programs, could ensure more restful and rejuvenating breaks while not on the road.
Additionally, raising the wages of truckers could contribute to safer roadways. Part of the reason truckers are pushing themselves so hard is to get paid as much as possible for their efforts. If the compensation level of these professional drivers was raised, it could be argued that there is less incentive for them to drive every waking hour of the day (putting themselves and others at risk).
Get David Get Paid
If you were recently in an accident, especially one with a truck or large commercial vehicle, get in touch with David Femminineo today! David is a highly experienced injury attorney, with a team of the best and brightest minds in the world of personal injury law around him.
Rest assured that if you were in an accident, Femminineo Law will stop at nothing to get you the compensation you deserve. David will take on the trucking companies, insurance companies, and anyone else he needs to for your case to be a success.
Give us a call at 855-65CRASH or visit our website at getdavidgetpaid.com, today!
