Drivers in New Jersey know about the dangers of drunk driving. In recent years, multiple ad campaigns have educated the public about the dangers of distracted driving as well. But there’s one dangerous driving habit that still flies under the radar: Many people don’t think there’s anything wrong with fatigued driving even though it causes hundreds of fatal accidents every year.
Why is fatigued driving so dangerous?
Fatigued driving is dangerous for anyone, but it’s particularly dangerous for truck drivers, who are driving massive vehicles made from tons of steel. Unfortunately, not much has been done to combat driver’s fatigue in truck drivers. Truck drivers are typically expected to drive all day with few breaks and little time to rest. As a result, they can easily start to become drowsy. When that happens, they might stop paying attention and even fall asleep at the wheel.
In one study, 1 in 25 drivers admitted that they’d fallen asleep at the wheel at least once. Normal drivers can pull over or go home, but truck drivers don’t have that option. This makes them much more vulnerable to getting in motor vehicle accidents.
Driver fatigue is typically caused by stress and insomnia. However, it can also be caused by illness, alcohol use and medication side effects. Since some truck drivers have to work overnight, they’re driving when they’d normally be sleeping, which makes it even harder for them to stay awake. Overall, truck driving can be a dangerous job if the drivers aren’t given time to relax and take breaks.
How an attorney may help truck accident victims
When a truck crashes into a passenger vehicle, the smaller vehicle typically receives the majority of the damage. If you’re the victim of a truck accident, an attorney may help you seek compensation for your injuries and hold the liable driver responsible for unsafe driving practices.