If there is anything that scares you on the roads, it’s seeing a large semi go over the rumble strip or crossing into your lane while you’re occupying it. You’ve honked, sped up and slammed on your brakes to avoid drivers making dangerous maneuvers in the past, and it’s frustrating to say the least.
One of the main reasons for truck driving errors is simply failing to get enough sleep. Drivers do have to pass medical tests and are supposed to take breaks to rest, but the reality is that some will keep pushing to meet deadlines even when they need time to rest.
Driving impairment because of fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck crashes each year. Drowsiness can be a result of:
- Not getting enough sleep before a shift
- Boredom
- Daydreaming and dozing off
- Physical exhaustion
- Medical conditions, like narcolepsy
- Demanding work schedules
- Medications
It’s important for drivers to be aware of how they’re feeling before they get behind the wheel. A driver who is tired or who is feeling drowsy should know that they’re not being safe. They should pull off to the side of the road or into a rest area, so they can take a nap or take some time to wake up before continuing.
Combating drowsiness and only driving when aware and alert is essential. Truck drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel could cause serious or fatal collisions. If you are involved in a crash as a result of a driver who falls asleep or who was driving drowsily, you may be able to file a claim and seek compensation for what you’ve been through.
