You might think that the more someone drives, the better she or she will be at driving. However, this is not always the case.
While those who drive semitrailers are professionals, they may be spending so much time on the road that they get complacent with safety. Truck driver fatigue is a common factor in trucking collisions, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving
If a truck driver is tired, he or she could fall asleep while driving. However, sleep deprivation becomes a safety risk long before someone falls asleep at the wheel.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep deprivation can cause some of the same effects that drinking alcohol causes. It can make it difficult for someone to pay attention to the road and may impair his or her ability to make fast decisions.
How to tell if a trucker is too drowsy to drive
When you are driving near a semitrailer, it can be difficult to tell if the trucker is sleepy or not. However, it may be a good idea to keep plenty of space between you and the semitrailer if:
- It is night, when most people are used to sleeping
- The semitrailer drifts from its lane
- The semitrailer hits the rumble strip
Collisions between semitrailers and passenger vehicles can be devastating for the occupants of the passenger vehicle. If you or a loved one was injured in a trucking collision, it may be appropriate to seek justice. The injured person may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses and other costs related to the injury.
