Where would our country be without its vast networks of highways and the long-haul truckers who drive them? Trucks deliver much-needed food and material goods, while others leave the state loaded with produce, gold, silver, copper and other minerals the world needs.
Even though we depend on the trucking industry, there are some instances when a truck driver should not be behind the wheel.
What do the stats say?
In 2022, our nation’s roads saw 116,353 accidents involving semi trucks; approximately 3% of those accidents included at least one fatality. Some common causes of trucking accidents include:
- Distractions such as phones, eating or adjusting the radio that take eyes and focus off the road.
- Weather conditions that severely impair visibility and road traction.
- Mechanical failures such as breaks, tire blowouts or engine problems.
- Another significant factor in semi-truck accidents is the driver deciding to drive, even if they are tired. Exhaustion severely impacts a driver’s physical and cognitive functions. It can impair judgment and slow reaction times. Sleep deprivation of 18 hours or more has almost the same effect on the body as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%.
Why do truckers drive when they are so tired? They might do so for several reasons, including,
1. Tight delivery schedules to meet strict deadlines
2. Extended periods on the road lead to irregular sleeping patterns and chronic sleep deprivation
3. Many truckers are paid by the mile, which can act as an incentive to put in longer hours to increase pay
There are some safeguards long-haul trucking companies can put in place to protect their drivers and other motorists on the road. Enforcing rest breaks, giving drivers more control over their schedules, and implementing advanced safety technologies such as lane departure warnings and automatic braking systems can help reduce the number of fatigue-related accidents.
Colliding with a large truck often has catastrophic consequences. Receiving compensation for pain and suffering can relieve some of the financial burden throughout the recovery.
