Overtime driving is a huge problem in the truck driving industry. Companies often encourage, and sometimes require, drivers to exceed the daily limits on miles or hours. This is done to meet or beat delivery deadlines. Logging long hours of driving without proper rest causes driver fatigue which makes them more likely to crash.
Impacts of Fatigued Driving:
- Reaction time is delayed. The drowsier the driver, the slower the reaction time.
- Fatigued driving can be similar to driving under the influence of alcohol. Going more than 20 hours without sleep is like driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08%. This is the legal limit in the U.S.
- Drivers are three times more likely to crash when they are fatigued.
A truck driver may not even know when they are fatigued because the signs are hard to identify. If they are drinking coffee or other caffeinated drinks they might feel alert and not tired. Closing your eyes for just a few seconds at a time is supremely dangerous. A truck can travel the distance of a football field in only 4 or 5 seconds.
To keep people safe, truck drivers must follow the Hours of Service (HOS) rules. These rules are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations were put in place to ensure that truck drivers stay awake and alert while driving.
Examples of HOS rules:
- Commercial truck drivers cannot drive for more than 10 hours in a row. This rule applies after they have taken eight hours off duty. They can also drive for 14 hours after taking 10 hours off duty.
- Drivers cannot drive more than 60 hours in seven days. They also cannot drive more than 70 hours in eight days if they drive continuously.
- Truck drivers must take a 30-minute break after every 8 hours of driving. This break must be consecutive. Time spent on duty but not driving can count as this break.
Fatigued Driving Crashes
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 100,000 police-reported crashes involve fatigued driving every year. Due to those crashes, more than 1,550 fatalities and 71,000 injuries occur. Fatal fatigued driving crashes cost about $109 billion each year. This amount does not include property damage.
Holding Truck Drivers Accountable
Adam Miller, The Texas Bulldog, fights negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and insurance companies on behalf of injured victims. Our law firm will always support our clients and their families. We will help them get every penny they deserve after an accident. Truck drivers have serious regulations because they can cause serious and catastrophic injuries and death. If you or someone you love has been injured by an 18 wheeler contact us now for a free consultation. The Miller Law Firm will never charge you anything unless they win your case. Call us now at 713-572-3333.
Need Help Now? Contact The Texas Bulldog
If you’ve been injured in a 18 Wheeler accident anywhere in Texas, don’t wait. The Texas Bulldog is ready to fight for you. Call 713-572-3333 or visit our contact page for a free case evaluation. The Miller Law Firm has won hundreds of millions for our clients and is well known as one of the best firms in Houston. However, don’t just take our word for it. Check out our superb ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 5 Star Reviews on Google!