What Is Truck Driver Fatigue?

Truck driver fatigue is a form of physical or mental exhaustion. It hampers a trucker’s ability to focus and drive safely. On top of that, it can contribute to serious Nashville truck accidents in which motorists or pedestrians get hurt or killed.

Why Does Truck Driver Fatigue Happen?

Common causes of truck driver fatigue include:

• Lack of Sleep: Truckers sometimes violate hours of service (HOS) rules in the hopes of reaching their final destinations quickly. Doing so can lead to a lack of sleep, which can make it tough for a trucker to operate their vehicle safely.
• Long Hours: A truck driver may spend a lot of time behind the wheel. This can contribute to exhaustion that results in truck driver fatigue.
• Monotony: The monotony of driving a truck along the same routes on a regular basis can make a trucker less focused and alert. Because of this, a trucker may be prone to fatigue.
• Circadian Rhythm: When truckers drive at night, their circadian rhythm may be disrupted. Since a trucker may feel more tired in the dark than they would be when the sun’s out, they may be more susceptible to fatigue at nighttime than during the day.
• Health: A truck driver who is dealing with sleep apnea or other health issues may be likely to become fatigued.

How Does Fatigue Affect Truck Drivers?

If a trucker is driving their vehicle while fatigued, they may not be able to react in time to stop an accident. Along with this, they may make poor decisions behind the wheel and risk mistakes that put themselves and others in danger. They may also have trouble staying focused and be prone to speed fluctuations and drifting in and out of their lane.

Is Truck Driver Fatigue Common?

According to the Truck Safety Coalition, truck driver fatigue has been a contributing factor to fatal truck accidents for at least 70 years. The coalition notes that research from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shows that 65% of truckers report that they often or sometimes feel drowsy while driving. In addition, nearly half of truck drivers said that they’ve fallen asleep while driving in the prior year.

What Are the Warning Signs of Truck Driver Fatigue?

For truck drivers, the signs of fatigue include frequent yawning, difficulty keeping their eyes open, dozing off, and inattentiveness.

If you are driving your car and a truck is nearby, there are various signs that indicate that the driver of this vehicle may be fatigued. These signs include:

• Tailgating
• Sudden lane changes
• Lane drifting
• Frequent acceleration or deceleration
• Ignoring traffic signals

Is Truck Driver Fatigue Preventable?

Truck drivers and trucking companies can work together to prevent trucker fatigue. Some of the ways that these parties can protect against truck fatigue are:

• Teach truck drivers about the dangers of driving while fatigued
• Follow HOS rules and other truck industry regulations
• Encourage truck drivers to get adequate sleep

What Should I Do If I Get into an Accident with a Fatigued Truck Driver?

Call 911, receive medical attention, and report your accident to the police. In the days following this incident, reach out to our personal injury law firm in Nashville. Your lawyer can determine if you have grounds for requesting compensation from a liable truck driver or their employer via a trucking accident claim or lawsuit.