The topic of drowsy truck drivers has been at the forefront of highway safety discussions lately, likely due to the accident involving actor and comedian Tracy Morgan. The truck driver who crashed into Morgan’s limo had allegedly been awake for 24 hours at the time of the accident. This has pushed lawmakers to re-evaluate truck drivers’ hours of service and sleep schedules.
If you’re traveling down I-64 next to a large tractor trailer, you hope that the driver is fully awake and fully capable of operating the truck in a safe manner. If not, your life, as well as the lives of those traveling with you, could be in serious danger.
Is That Truck Driver Falling Asleep?
Aside from seeing a driver nodding off behind the wheel, you may be able to detect if the driver is fully awake by looking for the following signs:
- Swerving. A truck that is operated by someone who is about to fall asleep often swerves back and forth. He may go in and out of his lane or swerve just slightly. Either way, it’s a sign that he is nodding off or is too tired to drive safely.
- Stopping and starting. As the driver falls asleep and wakes up again, he will likely slam on his brakes once he realizes that he just nodded off. If the truck near you seems to slow down, stop, speed up again, slow down, and stop, there’s a good chance the trucker is fighting sleep or succumbing to it.
- Driving through red lights. Watching a tractor trailer drive through a red light is a frightening scene and a sign that he is not awake at the wheel.
Did a Drowsy Driver Cause Your Accident?
Truck accidents typically cause major injuries that can affect your life long-term. If you were the victim of an accident, the attorneys of Tavss Fletcher may be able to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how.
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