One in 10 Truck Drivers Is Dangerously Sleep-Deprived While On the Road
A recent survey by the National Sleep Foundation discovered that one in 10 truckers in the U.S. is dangerously sleep-deprived. Drowsy driving by truckers creates many concerns for Texas drivers.
April 13, 2012
One in 10 Truck Drivers Is Dangerously Sleep-Deprived While On the RoadThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that over 100,000 police-reported crashes occur each year directly caused by drowsy driving, a condition some experts liken to driving drunk. The NHTSA does not have statistics that indicate when driver fatigue is merely a contributing factor, nor is it aware of how many drowsy driver car or truck accidents go unreported.
Drowsy driving can lead to:
-Unintended lane changes or veering onto the shoulder of the road
-Slower reaction times to driving conditions or situations
-Failure to stop in time when in stop-and-go traffic or when presented with road obstacles
-Failure to recognize dangerous driving conditions such as adverse weather or construction zones
All of these circumstances can lead to single or multiple vehicle accidents and death. When a sleepy driver is behind the wheel of a semi-truck weighing 80,000 pounds, the result can be catastrophic.
A recent survey by the National Sleep Foundation discovered that one in 10 truckers in the U.S. is dangerously sleep-deprived. With the large number of trucks driving through Texas each day, this is a huge concern for anyone on the road.
The NSF survey reveals additional findings from the surveyed truck drivers:
-Many report feeling drowsy while driving
-44 percent state they "rarely or never" get a good night's sleep when they are working
-14 percent admit to committing a serious error while driving
-Some feel their fatigue is dangerous to other drivers
Sleep experts hope that the results of this survey act as a wake-up call for truck drivers and over-the-road company owners and encourage them to maintain regular sleep and awake schedules to help drivers stay alert on the job.
If you are injured in an accident caused by a drowsy or negligent driver, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney knowledgeable about car and truck accident cases may be able to help you obtain compensation for your losses and injuries.
Article provided by Law Office of Gary M. Freeman
Visit us at http://www.freemanattorney.com/