Every year, thousands of Americans are killed or seriously injured in accidents involving fatigued truck drivers. The National Transportation Safety Board has consistently identified driver fatigue as one of the most critical safety issues in commercial trucking, yet the problem persists. At Dr. Ted Injury Law, we have seen the devastating consequences of fatigued driving in truck accident cases across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
The Scope of the Problem
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, driver fatigue is a contributing factor in approximately 13 percent of all large truck crashes. However, many experts believe the actual figure is much higher because fatigue can be difficult to detect and document after an accident. Unlike alcohol impairment, there is no breathalyzer test for fatigue.
The Large Truck Crash Causation Study found that fatigue was the most frequently cited associated factor in crashes where the truck driver was assigned the critical reason for the accident. The study also found that 13 percent of commercial motor vehicle drivers were considered to have been fatigued at the time of their crash.
Why Truck Drivers Are Especially Vulnerable to Fatigue
Several factors make commercial truck drivers particularly susceptible to dangerous levels of fatigue:
- Long hours: Even within the legal limits, truck drivers may spend up to 11 hours behind the wheel in a single shift, often driving monotonous stretches of highway.
- Irregular schedules: Many truck drivers work irregular hours, including overnight shifts, which disrupts the body's natural circadian rhythm.
- Sleep disorders: Studies indicate that a significant percentage of commercial truck drivers suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime drowsiness.
- Economic pressure: Many truck drivers are paid by the mile rather than by the hour, creating a financial incentive to drive more miles in less time, even at the expense of adequate rest.
- Poor sleeping conditions: Truck sleeper berths, while better than they once were, often do not provide the same quality of sleep as a bed at home. Noise, vibration, temperature fluctuations, and unfamiliar surroundings all contribute to poor rest.
Warning Signs of Fatigued Driving
There are several observable signs that a truck driver may be impaired by fatigue, both from the perspective of other motorists and from the driver themselves:
- Drifting between lanes or onto the shoulder
- Inconsistent speed, alternating between speeding up and slowing down
- Failing to respond to traffic signals or signs
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Frequent yawning or rubbing of the eyes
- Difficulty keeping the head up or the eyes open
- Missing exits or turns
Liability in Fatigue-Related Truck Accidents
When a truck driver causes an accident due to fatigue, multiple parties may be held liable. The truck driver bears personal responsibility for choosing to drive while dangerously tired. The trucking company may be liable if it pressured the driver to exceed hours-of-service limits, failed to monitor compliance, or hired a driver with a known history of HOS violations. If the driver has an untreated sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, the company may be liable for failing to require proper medical screening.
Proving Fatigue in a Truck Accident Case
Proving that a truck driver was fatigued at the time of an accident requires careful investigation and the preservation of key evidence. Electronic logging device data, dispatch records, cell phone records, dashcam footage, and witness testimony can all help establish that the driver was impaired by fatigue. An experienced trucking accident attorney knows how to obtain and analyze this evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
Contact an Experienced Trucking Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that you believe was caused by a fatigued truck driver, time is of the essence. Contact Dr. Ted Injury Law at (800) 555-HURT for a free consultation. Our trucking accident team has the knowledge and resources to investigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.