The Dangers of Truck Driver Fatigue

One of the most common causes of truck accidents is truck driver fatigue. When truck drivers are pushed beyond their limits and feel like they have to continue driving when they are tired, drowsy, or exhausted, truck driver fatigue can lead to traumatic, devastating, and fatal crashes.

When an individual is involved in a truck accident, one of the first things a truck accident attorney will look for is whether the trucker was fully awake, alert, and attentive.

What is truck driver fatigue, and how does it affect a truck driver?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states truck driver fatigue is “the result of physical or mental exertion that impairs performance.” If a truck driver becomes tired, sleepy, exhausted, or drowsy, this is considered truck driver fatigue. When truck drivers get behind the wheel while fatigued, their reaction times may decrease, they may be unable to focus or concentrate, and they may lack alertness and attentiveness, which can cause a catastrophic truck accident. To give you an idea of how serious this is, the National Sleep Foundation points out that the level of impairment that fatigued driving causes is very similar to drunk driving.

What are the federal regulations related to truck driver fatigue?

The FMCSA has created and implemented federal regulations to prevent truck driver fatigue, which are called hours-of-service regulations. The hours-of-service regulations state the following regarding truck drivers carrying products:

• Truck drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after being off duty for 10 consecutive hours.
• Truck drivers cannot drive more than 14 consecutive hours when starting their shifts after 10 consecutive hours off duty or by taking more off-duty time.
• After driving eight cumulative hours, truck drivers are required to take a 30-minute break. When taking a break, truck drivers must take at least 30 minutes to do something non-driving related.
• Truck drivers must not drive more than 60/70 hours in 7/8 consecutive days. They may restart their 7/8 consecutive period after at least a 34-hour break.
• Truck drivers can extend the 11-hour and 14-hour driving windows by two hours if they encounter inclement weather or other “adverse driving conditions.”

What are the common causes of truck driver fatigue?

There are many causes of truck driver fatigue, such as:

Irregular schedules: Truck drivers work very irregular schedules. For example, a truck driver may work the morning shift one day, the night shift the next day, and the evening shift the next day. The human body can have difficulty adapting to an ever-changing schedule, causing truckers to experience challenges when forcing themselves to go to sleep at different times each day.

Exhausting job demands: Truck drivers carry out exhausting job demands. For example, truck drivers are often required to drive long hours, maneuver and control a very large vehicle, help load and unload their trailers, and search for somewhere safe to sleep for the night. This can exhaust truck drivers, making them sleepy or fatigued behind the wheel.

Driving more than the allowed number of hours: Even though it is not permitted, many truck drivers try to find ways to trick the system and drive more than the allowed number of hours. This is usually because they get paid by the miles they drive, meaning they can earn more money if they keep driving. However, the hours-of-service regulations aim to prevent drowsy or fatigued truck driving, which can also prevent severe crashes.

Company or employer pressure: Unfortunately, it is common for companies and employers to pressure their truck drivers to drive while tired. They may do this by providing incentives or prizes to employees who drive the most, or they may simply act disappointed or threaten to fire the truck driver if they do not keep driving. This is more likely to happen when trucking companies are understaffed and do not have enough truckers to deliver their loads on time.

Medications and prescriptions: Truck drivers who take over-the-counter medications or prescriptions can become very tired. This is because medications contain ingredients that can increase drowsiness or fatigue. If truck drivers do not check the warning labels of their medications before taking them, they could fall asleep while driving.

Truck driver lifestyle: The truck driver lifestyle is unhealthy. Many truck drivers do not have time to exercise, stay hydrated, or eat a nutritious meal. After some time, this can cause their bodies to break down and lead to low energy levels and health-related conditions. Truck drivers typically have difficulty staying alert, attentive, and awake when this happens.

Are there consequences for truck driver fatigue in Seattle, WA?

The FMCSA states that “drivers may not operate, nor shall a motor carrier require or permit a driver to operate, a CMV if they are too tired or sick to drive safely.” If a truck driver is caught driving a semi-truck while tired or drowsy, they may face several consequences, including:

• Getting a ticket
• Being suspended from work
• Being fired
• Losing their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Being required to pay high fines
• Being sued if they hurt someone or damage their property

Trucking companies encouraging truckers to violate the hours-of-operation regulations can also face various consequences. For example, they may be required to pay hefty fines, pay higher insurance premiums, and permanently damage their reputation and trust.

Who can be held liable if I am struck by a drowsy truck driver?

If you are struck by a drowsy truck driver, you may be able to hold multiple parties liable. Your Seattle truck accident lawyer will look over the facts of your accident, investigate, and determine liability. Some of the most common parties that may be held liable for this type of accident include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company or employer
• Delayed loading crews
• Delayed shipping companies

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident that you believe was caused by truck driver fatigue, please do not hesitate to contact a Seattle truck accident attorney from Smith McBroom as soon as possible. Our team can evaluate your truck accident claim, conduct an in-depth investigation, and determine whether fatigued driving played a part. We know and understand how disastrous these accidents can be, which is why we handle the ins and outs of the legal process while you focus on healing and recovering. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free case review in Tukwila today.