If you find yourself involved in a large truck accident, your entire life could change instantly. Many truck accident victims suffer serious injuries, and some are unable to survive the collision. Losing the ability to work, struggling with hospital bills and enduring high levels of physical pain could become a reality for you, and the aftermath of a crash could impact your loved ones also.
Large truck accidents take place for a host of reasons, but many of these accidents happen due to truck driver fatigue.
The consequences of truck driver fatigue
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a study found that 13% of commercial vehicle drivers involved in collisions suffered from fatigue when the traffic accident took place. Fatigue can make it harder for truck drivers to focus on the road, react to hazards, perform tasks and even stay awake.
Reasons why truck drivers become fatigued
The FMCSA outlines a number of risk factors associated with trucker fatigue. Sometimes, drivers work for too long, while others become very drowsy behind the wheel as a result of medication. Skipping meals and failing to get enough sleep at night can also make truckers drowsy on the road. Some rely on drinking coffee to stay alert, although this does not always help.
When large truck collisions occur, the consequences of the accident are often especially devastating due to the massive size of these vehicles. It is vital for victims and their loved ones to look into resources that could help during the recovery process and allow them to hold negligent truck drivers answerable.
