Traffic accidents caused by truck driver fatigue

If a large truck collides with you while you are walking, riding a bicycle, riding a motorcycle or inside of a vehicle, the crash could permanently alter the course of your life. You could have to miss work due to an injury that leaves you bedridden, or you could struggle with hospital expenses and mental trauma. In some instances, families lose loved ones due to negligent truck drivers.

Large truck crashes continue to occur for various reasons, such as speeding, distracted driving and inexperience. Some of these accidents take place because a truck driver is drowsy, and it is essential to understand how fatigue causes truck wrecks.

Risk factors linked to truck driver fatigue

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration covers some of the risk factors connected to truck driver fatigue. For example, truck drivers who do not get enough sleep can lose their ability to focus and drive safely, whether they experience a single night of insufficient sleep or struggle with a chronic sleep problem. Additionally, a poor diet and depending on inadequate techniques to stay alert behind the wheel (such as drinking coffee) can increase the likelihood of an accident.

In addition, certain drugs (including over-the-counter medications) can lead to drowsy driving.

The consequences of truck driver fatigue

Many victims of these accidents struggle with debilitating injuries, and families sometimes lose loved ones in accidents. If you are having a hard time due to lost wages, emotional challenges, unbearable pain or any other hardship as a result of a large truck accident, make sure you hold the truck driver accountable.