Sleepy Behind the Wheel: How Fatigued Truck Drivers Create Risks on the Road

Many 18-wheelers travel through and deliver to various companies throughout Columbus, Ohio each day. While we typically do not think too much about it when we pass these truckers, the truth is that they may be traveling from other cities or states across the country.

Truck drivers are required to drive at all times of day and night. These demanding schedules often lead to fatigue and sleepiness. When this happens, drivers not only endanger themselves but also pose significant risks to others, potentially leading to serious truck accidents.

What causes truck drivers to become tired and drowsy?

Truck driving is not an easy job. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, it is natural for our bodies to become sleepy between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. daily. As truckers work long hours and different shifts, they are likely to experience natural sleepiness throughout the day. However, there are other factors that may increase fatigue and drowsiness for truck drivers, such as:

• Inadequate sleep or rest: Truck drivers often work different shifts each day, making it difficult to establish a consistent sleep schedule. This irregularity prevents their bodies from getting proper rest and goes against sleep recommendations. Most medical professionals suggest that individuals develop a consistent sleep schedule to give them more energy and alertness while awake, but achieving this type of consistency is usually impossible for truck drivers.
• Failure to maintain a healthy diet: Truck driving can also lead to missing meals, eating at different times each day, or even eating quick and unhealthy meals. All of these habits can cause fatigue and drowsiness. In addition, if a trucker goes to bed while hungry or on a full stomach, they will most likely not sleep well, furthering the risk of drowsiness.
• Taking medications before getting behind the wheel: When a truck driver develops a cold or seasonal allergies, their first reaction may be to grab medications to alleviate their symptoms. However, most allergy and cold medications cause drowsiness. Taking simple over-the-counter drugs can result in the truck driver drifting off or falling asleep behind the wheel. In addition, when truck drivers rely on medications such as stimulants to keep them awake, there is a possibility that they will have the opposite effect and cause them to become drowsy and tired.
• Boredom: Truck drivers typically spend a lot of their time on open roads, which can lead to boredom and loneliness. Their families and loved ones are likely far away and even asleep when they are on the road at night. Therefore, when a trucker becomes bored for too long, they may become sleepy.
• Being pressured by their employer to deliver their loads within a certain timeframe: Drivers may feel pressured by employers to meet delivery deadlines, fearing repercussions if they admit to feeling too sleepy to drive. This pressure can lead to the dangerous decision to continue driving while fatigued.

How do fatigued truck drivers create risks on the roadways in Columbus, OH?

When a truck driver is tired or fatigued, they can create risks on the roadways. This typically happens because being tired or fatigued can affect a person’s driving capabilities. Here are a few of the ways that fatigued truck drivers can create risks on the roads:

• Reduced attention and concentration
• Delayed reaction times
• Poor judgment and problem-solving skills
• Missing traffic signs or lights
• Swerving or veering off course
• Short-term memory issues or trouble recalling certain information
• Impaired vision
• Increased agitation and mood swings, which can lead to road rage or aggressive driving
• Nodding off or falling asleep behind the wheel

Hours-of-Service Rule to help combat fatigue

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has implemented an Hours-of-Service rule to prevent truckers from becoming overworked, tired, and falling asleep when driving. The following are some of the requirements of this rule:

• Truck drivers can only drive a maximum of 11 hours after having at least ten consecutive hours off duty.
• Prohibition of driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty following ten consecutive hours off duty.
• Mandatory 30-minute breaks after eight cumulative hours of driving, during which no driving is allowed.
• Truckers are only allowed to drive 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. The consecutive hours and days do not reset until the trucker has had at least 34 hours of off-duty time.

How can I prove that a truck driver was fatigued at the time of my crash?

Proving that a truck driver was fatigued at the time of an accident can be challenging. However, hiring a truck accident attorney can help. They will investigate the accident, gather compelling evidence, and advocate for the financial recovery you need. Evidence may include:

• Eyewitness statements
• Expert witness testimonies
• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Company records
• The truck’s black box
• The truck’s electronic logging device
• GPS data and information

The Columbus truck accident lawyers at Soroka & Associates, LLC are experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to the laws and regulations surrounding various types of truck accidents. Therefore, when you work with our team, you can rest assured that we will use our knowledge, skills, and resources to stand up and advocate for the compensation you deserve. We understand the difficulties and challenges you may be facing due to a truck driver falling asleep behind the wheel, and we will do everything we can to help you obtain justice for their negligence. Please call our office or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation today. We are based in Columbus but are available to help clients throughout Central Ohio.