Fatigue-Related Truck Accidents: Statistics, Causes, and Prevention Strategies

• October 6 2024
• |   Truck Accidents

Trucking is vital to our economy because it helps move goods across vast distances daily. As a result, truck drivers are on the road for long hours, which can cause fatigue. Fatigue is a silent yet dangerous factor in most truck accident cases nationwide. Truck drivers usually spend long hours behind the wheel, increasing the risk of fatigue-related crashes because extended driving hours push their physical and mental limits.

Fatigue-related truck accidents are more common than many realize, and the impact is usually very severe. Understanding the effects of fatigue on road safety, why it happens, and how it can be prevented is essential for truck drivers and other motorists sharing the road. This blog will explore the statistics, causes, and strategies that can help prevent fatigue-related accidents.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you can hold the at-fault party responsible and sue them for compensation for whatever damage you incurred. However, suing for compensation is a complex legal process; you will need the help of a personal injury lawyer.

A personal injury attorney from Leverty & Associates Law will help you gather evidence, successfully file an insurance claim, represent you during settlement and negotiations, and advocate for you. Contact us if you need legal assistance, and we will help you.

Why Choose a Lawyer From Leverty & Associates Law?

At Leverty & Associates Law, our attorneys have an in-depth knowledge of insurance laws, and we understand how insurance companies work. Our knowledge and expertise will enable us to fight for your rights and help you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Our lawyers will ensure you receive fair treatment when filing for compensation from insurance companies. We will work tirelessly to achieve your legal objectives.

We have a strong track record of success, and our clients’ positive reviews are a testament to our dedication and commitment to them. Our lawyers will support, help, and guide you throughout the legal process. If you need a team of reliable lawyers, do not hesitate to call us. Contact us in Reno at (775) 322-6636; we offer free initial consultations.

Our lawyers are dedicated to fighting for your rights. We will prioritize your case and ensure the negligent party compensates you for the damages and injuries they caused you.

Statistics of Fatigue-Related Truck Accidents

According to reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2017, about 91,000 crashes involved fatigued drivers. These accidents resulted in 800 deaths, and 50,000 people were left injured. This shows how dangerous drowsy driving can be for everyone on the road. In 2022 alone, fatigue-related accidents caused 693 deaths, and a lot of these crashes involved trucks.

Fatigue is one of the significant contributors to truck-related accidents, and the statistics surrounding it are alarming. Truck drivers often face tight schedules, which causes physical and mental exhaustion. The experience frequently leads to devastating consequences on the road.

According to a report from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver fatigue causes approximately 13% of large truck crashes, which is significant given the number of trucks on the road. Due to their size and weight, trucks are already difficult to control. When you add a fatigued driver to the scenario, the chances of a severe accident greatly increase.

The risk of these accidents is particularly concerning because the size and weight of a truck means that when it crashes, it is more likely to result in severe damage, injury, and even death. For example, a collision between a large truck and a smaller vehicle is more likely to result in fatalities simply due to the difference in the mass of the cars and the force of the collision.

Causes of Fatigue-Related Truck Accidents

Truck drivers are usually exposed to conditions that make them prone to fatigue. Several factors contribute to a driver’s exhaustion, and some of them include the following:

Long Driving Hours

Truck drivers usually face strict delivery deadlines, which require them to drive for very long periods. Although several federal regulations limit the number of hours a driver can operate without rest, many of them still get pressured by their employers or clients to cover long distances quickly. This push often leads truck drivers to go beyond the safe limit, causing them to become fatigued.

Inconsistent Sleep Patterns

Truck drivers have tight schedules, and they do not have regular sleep routines. In many cases, they may need to sleep at different times of the day, which can be tough on the body’s natural sleep cycle. They also have to sleep in uncomfortable places when they eventually have the time to rest. When a truck driver needs to rest, they might have no other option than their truck or truck stop. These places are often uncomfortable and noisy, and it can prevent them from getting the quality sleep they need.

Nighttime Driving

Almost every truck driver prefers to drive at night in order to avoid the heavy traffic that often occurs during the day. However, this is not good for the body; it disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, the natural internal clock that regulates an individual’s sleep and wake cycles. The time that these truck drivers prefer to go about their business is a period that is naturally programmed for the body to rest. This situation increases the possibility of drowsiness, which in turn escalates the risk of accidents.

Monotonous Driving Conditions

Truck drivers usually drive on long, empty highways for hours on end. They usually drive in the dead of the night, so there aren’t many things on the road that can liven up their drive. This lack of stimulation on the road can lead to boredom and cause drivers to zone out, making them more prone to fatigue. This mental fatigue and physical tiredness can make it harder for drivers to stay focused and alert, thereby increasing the chance of accidents.

Health Issues

Due to the nature of their work, many truck drivers suffer from health problems that make fatigue worse. These health conditions include sleep apnea, a disorder that causes interruptions in breathing during sleep. This condition can prevent drivers from getting restorative sleep. Because of their work schedules, truck drivers have little to no time to take care of themselves. Most of them usually have poor diets, lack of exercise, and sedentary lifestyles, which often cause weight gain, diabetes, and other health issues that contribute to constant fatigue.

Irrespective of what caused the driver’s fatigue, we will create a strategy that showcases how the accident happened and the compensation you want.

Stress and Mental Fatigue

Not only is truck driving physically demanding, it is also mentally exhausting. The stress of meeting delivery deadlines, navigating traffic, dealing with road hazards, and fighting sleepiness can take a toll on a truck driver’s mental health. Over time, this mental stress can contribute to fatigue, even if the driver is getting enough sleep. The constant pressure of being away from family for long periods, often coupled with isolation on the road, also adds to this issue.

Medication and Substance Use

Some truckers rely heavily on medications or stimulants, such as caffeine pills or energy drinks, to stay awake. While these substances can temporarily boost alertness, they often lead to a crash later on. Because these substances only provide a temporary solution, these drivers become even more tired once they wear off. There are also certain medications that are used to manage pain or chronic health conditions, which may result in drowsiness as a side effect, increasing the risk of fatigue.

Weather Conditions

Driving in challenging weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog, requires mental focus, which can be physically draining. Due to these weather conditions, truck drivers have to be more alert, and doing this can make truck drivers more tired, especially when combined with other factors like lack of long hours of sleep or health problems.

Prevention Strategies Against Fatigue-Related Truck Accidents

Preventing fatigue-related truck accidents requires an approach that blends individual responsibility, strict regulations, and technological advancements across the trucking industry. The following are several essential strategies that can help reduce the risk associated with driver fatigue:

Obeying Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

One essential method for preventing fatigue is obeying the Hours of Service regulations set by the Federal Motor Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules limit the hours a truck driver can be on the road before taking a mandatory break. Truck drivers are restricted to driving no more than 11 hours after a 10-hour break and must not exceed 14 consecutive hours of duty.

These regulations must be enforced, as violating the limit puts not only the driver but every other person on the road at risk. The objective of these HOS laws is to ensure that drivers are well-rested and alert while driving. This helps minimize the likelihood of fatigue-related accidents.

Promoting Health and Wellness Programs

Another critical aspect of preventing fatigue while driving is improving truck drivers’ overall health and well-being. Truck companies should promote wellness programs that focus on healthy eating, regular exercise, and managing sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

A healthier driver is more likely to be physically and mentally fit, reducing the chances of fatigue while driving. These programs can also help educate drivers on the importance of hydration, nutrition, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, which can go a long way toward keeping them energized and alert.

We are committed to helping you navigate the intricacies of truck accidents and holding responsible parties accountable.

Effective Trip Planning and Sleep Scheduling

A good sleep schedule and proper planning are essential for preventing fatigue. Truck drivers should plan their routes in ways that will allow them to take sufficient rest between shifts. Prioritizing at least 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep before long journeys can help them maintain focus while driving.

Truckers should also try to avoid night shifts when they can. If they can’t, they should prepare for nighttime driving by adjusting their sleep patterns. This can help prevent drivers from becoming overly tired during the most vulnerable hours.

Education and Training Programs

Both companies and truck drivers should undergo regular training to understand the dangers of fatigue and how they can prevent it from occurring and causing fatigue-related accidents. Educational programs that focus on recognizing the early warning signs of fatigue, such as yawning and drifting within lanes, can help drivers take action before it is too late. Providing truck drivers with strategies to stay alert, such as listening to engaging audiobooks or taking frequent breaks, can make a significant difference in preventing fatigue-related accidents.

Using Technology to Monitor Fatigue

Technology plays a pivotal role in combating fatigue. The use of electronic logging devices (ELDs) ensures accurate tracking of driving hours and helps drivers obey the HOS laws. Technological advancements such as fatigue detection systems are increasingly being installed in trucks.

These advancements monitor drivers’ eye movements, facial expressions and even string patterns. They can alert drivers when they begin to show signs of drowsiness, allowing them to take preventive actions before it is too late. As technology evolves, these tools will become more effective in minimizing fatigue-related incidents.

Do You Need Legal Assistance? Get Help From Leverty & Associates Law.

At Leverty & Associates Law, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the legal processes involved in their case. We have been representing clients for over 50 years, and we have a track record showing our commitment to securing favorable settlements and verdicts for them. When you choose our lawyers, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands.

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about paying us upfront. You will only pay when we win your case. Contact us at (775) 322-6636 to learn more about how we can help you.