As a driver, you know just how important it is to remain alert at all times. You also realize that drowsy driving is risky, as it increases the likelihood of an accident.
Unfortunately, many people don’t think twice about driving when tired. This is particularly true among truck drivers, as they’re always in a hurry to reach their next destination.
Driver fatigue remains a major problem in the trucking industry, despite the fact that there are federal laws in place to protect against this.
The only good thing about driver fatigue is that there are many ways to cure the problem, including:
- Taking breaks every few hours
- Getting plenty of sleep the night or day before hitting the road
- Avoiding driving at times when fatigue is most likely to set in, such as the middle of the night
- Taking power naps when fatigue sets in
Passenger vehicle drivers realize that they’ll often be in close proximity to truckers. However, you don’t have any control over what these drivers are doing. This makes it a challenge to know what you should and shouldn’t be doing as you navigate the road.
If you are part of a truck accident, make sure you move your car to safety if at all possible. Also, you need to receive medical treatment, as the likelihood of an injury is very high.
Once you do these things and begin to make a recovery, take the time to learn more about the accident. You may find that a drowsy driver caused the crash, which will prompt you to learn more about your legal rights.
Source: Concentra, “How to Prevent Truck Accidents and Keep the Road Safe,” accessed May 15, 2018
