Oil Boom in South Texas May Bring More Truck Accidents Caused by Fatigue

South Texas's oil boom has created a dangerous driving environment where rural roads have narrowed and more fatigued truck drivers may be on the road.

2012-05-12

May 12, 2012 (Press-News.org) Oil Boom in South Texas May Bring More Truck Accidents Caused by Fatigue

The Eagle Ford oil boom in South Texas is creating economic growth in the area, but it is also creating growth of another sort. The oil boom has led to more commercial truck traffic to South Texas. The additional truck traffic has brought more tired truck drivers to the area, and has also damaged and narrowed area roads. The greater number of tired truck drivers and deteriorating roads create a dangerous driving environment conducive to car and truck accidents.

Many workers in South Texas face long hours in the oil and gas fields, so not only may there be more tired commercial drivers on the road, there may also be more tired drivers on the road in general. We all know the dangers of driving while fatigued, yet many of us choose to continue driving instead of safely pulling off the road when we are too tired to drive. The danger of fatigue-related traffic accidents is even greater when tired commercial truck drivers remain behind the wheel, since the vehicles they drive are so large.

Because of the greater danger commercial drivers present, the work hours of commercial truck drivers are regulated by law. Commercial drivers of trucks heavier than 10,000 pounds may only drive 11 hours during a 14 hour shift; however, there is no guarantee that drivers rest during off-duty hours. What too many fatigued drivers fail to realize is that the effects of being tired while behind the wheel are real, and are similar to driving while drunk. The reflexes, reaction time and thought process of a tired driver are significantly slower than those of a rested driver.

In addition to the potential influx of tired drivers in South Texas, poor road conditions may also increase the risk of truck accidents in the area. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the truck traffic and weight of truck loads required for the development of one well is the equivalent of 8 million car trips; however, South Texas's country highways and roads were not engineered to handle that much traffic or weight.

The Eagle Ford deposit currently has 1,000 active wells and permits for 3,000 new wells. The constant traffic has caused the roads in many areas to crumble. The minimum width of a two-lane rural road in Texas is 24 feet, but some rural roads have narrowed to less than 22 feet because of the commercial truck traffic. The dangerously narrow roads make it difficult for farmers and residents to travel safely.

If you or loved one have been in a traffic accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to review your legal options.

Article provided by Dan Stroup Attorney At Law
Visit us at http://www.danstroup.com

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