Anyone can feel sleepy or tired behind the wheel, which can be dangerous to the vehicle’s occupants and others on the road. However, some people are more likely to commit drowsy driving, including people who drive for a living. These occupations often involve unpredictable and extended shifts, making fatigue a significant factor. The same goes for truck drivers who operate massive rigs that can deal fatal damage in collisions.
Understanding the job
Commercial truck drivers run the risk of drowsy driving every time they set out on their journeys. In fact, around 14% of them reported experiencing near crashes in 2012 alone because they almost fell asleep behind the wheel.
The industry has regulations and standards to mitigate these risk factors, such as maintaining driver logs, setting shift hour limits and having regular inspections to monitor compliance. Still, other contributors could be too unpredictable to control.
Like anyone working in physically demanding professions, these drivers may face challenges from their lifestyles and medical conditions. If someone has an irregular sleep schedule, it may take a toll on their physical and mental ability. Research also shows that regardless of profession, anyone with less than 7 hours of sleep every night is likely to feel drowsy while driving.
An additional layer of risk might also exist if they suffer from any illnesses or medical conditions that include fatigue as a symptom. Medications to address these issues can also cause side effects, such as sleepiness. Considering these factors, understanding the job and its hazards could be vital for drivers and their employers.
Knowing when legal action is appropriate
Although accident risks can sometimes be uncontrollable, some cases could be preventable. The damages could be devastating, especially in collisions involving commercial trucks, making legal action vital to hold at-fault parties accountable for their negligence.