Commercial vehicle accidents are all too common in Florida, but how many are due to fatigued truck drivers? Operating a commercial vehicle while drowsy can be deadly. Drivers need to be aware of the signs of fatigued truckers and how to prevent accidents on our local roads.

Next week (the first week of November) marks Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, and we feel it’s the perfect time to address this important issue.

How does fatigued driving impact commercial vehicle accidents?

Many of us are acutely aware of the “don’t drive drunk” campaigns put out by road safety experts. Did you know, though, that fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

Driving when exhausted causes:

  • slower reaction times
  • lowered awareness of one’s surroundings and potential hazards
  • lessened attentiveness
  • impaired vision (blurry vision, eyelids drooping, etc.)
  • nodding off while operating the vehicle

The National Safety Council (NSC) states that driving after going 20 hours (or more) without sleep has the same impact on behavior as driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08%. That’s the legal limit here in the United States!

Commercial vehicle drivers frequently go this long without sleep, as they are trying to meet their quota, beat the traffic at certain times of the day, or make it home after being away for a job. That means many truck drivers on the road could be just as dangerous while drowsy as one who had too many drinks before climbing behind the wheel. What’s more, these vehicles are far more dangerous than a standard car due to their size, weight, and lack of maneuverability. What could be a minor accident with regular vehicles can become a catastrophic crash when a commercial vehicle is involved.

So, now you understand how fatigued driving impacts commercial vehicle accidents…but how can they be prevented?

Preventing fatigued driving starts with awareness!

Just like drunk driving was mitigated with awareness campaigns, fatigued driving must be battled with knowledge. It begins with making sure drivers, both standard motorists and commercial vehicle drivers, understand the risks and the warning signs.

Time of Day Matters

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatigued driving crashes most often happen between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late afternoon. Why? Because the body’s natural internal clock (which regulates your sleep patterns) dips around these points each day. Commercial truck drivers frequently find themselves behind the wheel during these times, which is why drowsy driving is a major contributor to truck accidents. It’s crucial to drive with heightened awareness during these times, as defensive driving could save your life if you come across a commercial vehicle driver who is nodding off behind the wheel.

Know the Warning Signs of Fatigued Driving

Speeding can be a sign of fatigued driving.

Preventing fatigued driving accidents requires knowing what fatigued driving looks like. Watch for commercial vehicles that are:

  • drifting out of their lane
  • having difficulty maintaining speed (going too fast or driving excessively slow)
  • swerving
  • tailgating
  • suddenly and excessively (unnecessarily) braking

If you see this kind of behavior,  call 9-1-1 and report what’s happening to the authorities. Reporting erratic truck drivers is crucial for keeping roads in and around Tampa Bay safe and accident-free.

Have you been injured in a commercial vehicle accident?

As mentioned above, fatigued driving is a leading cause of commercial vehicle accidents. Brooks Law Group represents people injured in these accidents, providing support and legal counsel in their moment of need. We fight for you after your accident, making sure you get the justice you deserve and the compensation you need.

Worried about affording legal help? You don’t need to be! We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win. Your free consultation is the perfect time to ask questions, get to know us, and gain insight into what the legal process could look like for you.

If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident in or around the Tampa Bay area, you can always Look to Brooks.