From intoxication to the improper maintenance of a semi, there are many reasons why large truck accidents keep happening. However, truck driver fatigue is especially dangerous and a shocking number of truck drivers continue to get behind the wheel while fatigued. In Huntington, West Virginia, it is crucial for drivers and trucking companies to understand the many causes of trucker fatigue and prevent this dangerous behavior from claiming even more lives.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are a number of reasons why truck drivers experience fatigue. For example, a truck driver who does not get enough sleep or is involved in demanding activities while working (or outside of work) may become fatigued. Furthermore, a driver’s diet may impact their ability to drive and could cause them to fall asleep at the wheel. For example, drivers who skip meals may crave food while driving, while drivers who eat too much before bed may have difficulty falling asleep. Medications which cause drowsiness, including those sold over the counter, are another contributing factor.
The FMCSA also published helpful information concerning truck drivers who spend too much time on the road. For truckers, working excessive hours during the week or even a single day can lead to chronic fatigue, which is particularly hazardous. In order to combat this problem, the FMCSA implemented tighter regulations in 2013 which limited the amount of time truck drivers can spend on the road. The FMCSA believes these regulations will save the lives of 19 people and prevent 560 injuries every year.
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