Truck drivers are behind the wheel of large and heavy vehicles, and these vehicles are capable of causing a significant amount of damage in the event of a crash. Because of the damage trucks can cause in the event of a crash, truckers have a special responsibility to drive as safely and as carefully as possible. In an effort to be safe and reduce the chance of accidents, truckers should avoid driving while fatigued.
Truck drivers may be more likely to drive while fatigued than other drivers. This is because they are on the road for long hours, and they may face the temptation to drive over the legally allowed amount of time in order to deliver a load faster. Fatigued driving is reckless driving, and it needlessly endangers everyone else on the road.
Staying safe and avoiding sleepiness
Staring at the road for long periods of time can cause sleepiness. This is why one of the most important things truckers can do is ensure that they’ve slept and had the required number of hours off before they get behind the wheel again. In addition to being well-rested, truckers can also take the following steps to prevent fatigued driving:
- Truck drivers should eat healthy foods while on the road and maintain a proper diet. A good diet can provide energy and the ability to stay focused.
- Truckers should also avoid medications that could make them feel sleepy, as this may contribute to the likelihood that they could fall asleep.
- Truck drivers should avoid using any creative tricks to try to stay awake. Instead, they should recognize signs of fatigue and pull over when unable to drive safely.
- Truckers who are experiencing the signs of fatigue should pull over and take a nap. No timeline or delivery requirement is worth the risk of an accident.
Trucking companies are also responsible for implementing and enforcing safety standards that all truckers should follow. This includes following federal guidelines regarding the number of hours allowed behind the wheel before taking a break.
What if a tired driver causes an accident?
If a fatigued trucker caused the accident that left you injured, you may have legal options available to you. Through the Oklahoma civil justice system, you may be able to seek appropriate compensation for your losses and accident-related damages. It is beneficial to seek insight regarding the specific options available to you as soon as possible after an accident.
