(845) 802-0047A drowsy driver could be as dangerous as a drunk driver, drugged driver, or distracted driver. This is particularly true of truck drivers operating large commercial vehicles. A fatigued driver operating a semi tractor-trailer, 18 wheeler, tanker, or other large box truck could turn this already dangerous truck into a battering ram. Far too many New York trucking accidents are caused by a fatigued driver who should not be operating the truck at the time the crash occurs. Victims injured by fatigued truck drivers could suffer significant personal injuries or be wrongfully killed due to needless risks taken by truck drivers and trucking companies.
This is because a fatigued truck driver is a very dangerous driver. But this does not just have to deal with sleep. A fatigued driver does not even necessarily need to be drowsy but could be just physically tired, weak, and exhausted from the difficulty and physical labor from operating a commercial truck. Fatigued drivers have a slower reaction time and could make errors in gauging speed, distance, and time. This leads to basic and preventable errors that should not occur if a truck driver was properly rested.
Dangers of a Fatigued Driver Operating a Truck: Common Mistakes
Simply put, a fatigued driver is more likely to make errors while operating a commercial vehicle. These vehicles are already dangerous in the best circumstances and with the most alert and competent drivers. Add a fatigued driver, especially an inexperienced and fatigued driver, and an 18 wheeler becomes an instrument of death.
Some of the most common mistakes made by a fatigued driver that could cause New York trucking accidents to include the following:
- Falling asleep at the wheel – this is the most obvious danger and risk of fatigued driving and can take a dangerous truck and turn it into an unguided missile;
- Rear end collisions – delayed reactions and falling asleep lead to rear-end collisions;
- Lane merge errors – delayed reactions and fatigue translate into more difficulty gauging speed and distance of other vehicles;
- Failure to use signaling lights or warning hazards when appropriate;
- Negligent left turns – fatigued driving impairs a truck driver’s ability to gauge speed and distance of other vehicles, particularly oncoming vehicles which make this most dangerous;
- Running stop signs or yield signs – fatigued driving can affect perception and awareness, causing truck drivers to neglect traffic control devices; and
- Many other causes.
Federal Hours of Service Regulations to Prevent Fatigued Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a federal agency tasked with regulating the conduction of commercial vehicles, their drivers, and their company-owners. One of the most extensive and important sections of regulations governs the hours of service (HOS) rules. This body of regulations and rules dictates how long a truck driver may be able to operate a commercial vehicle such as a semi tractor-trailer, 18 wheeler, tanker, flatbed, or another big rig. The regulations are aimed at not just fighting sleep deprivation, but also the fatigue that is caused by driving a commercial vehicle.
Some of the most important HOS regulations that could be the cause of New York trucking accidents include the following:
- The shift of truck drivers are kept on a 24-hour clock;
- 14 hours are “on shift” or “active”;
- 10 hours are “off shift” or “inactive”;
- Out of 14 hours on shift, a truck driver may only drive for 10 hours (that means 4 hours of rest);
- Out of the maximum of 10 hours of driving, a truck driver may only drive for 8 consecutive hours before being required to take a 30-minute break;
- In 7 consecutive days, a truck driver may operate for no more than 60 hours; and
- In 8 consecutive days, a truck driver may operator for no more than 70 hours.
Victims Injured in New York Trucking Accidents May be Injured by a Fatigued Driver
While the cause of an 18 wheeler wreck may seem obvious, like a truck running a red light or rear-ending a stopped vehicle, there are other underlying causes which may not be as apparent. One of the most common underlying causes if a fatigued driver. In fact, a fatigued truck driver may be the tip of the iceberg in terms of violations by the trucking company. A whole slew of reckless, careless, and downright negligent errors may have contributed to a semi tractor-trailer crash.
This is why it is imperative for victims of any box truck crash to contact a New York trucking accident lawyer who handles trucking accident cases. An experienced lawyer will know what the signs of a fatigued driver are and how to further investigate how this may have contributed to your box truck collision. If you or a loved one were injured in any trucking accident occurring through the United States, particularly New York, please call our experienced New York trucking accident lawyer to learn how we can help you today with a FREE consultation.