Reasons Why Drowsy Driving May Have Caused Your Truck Accident

If you were injured in a truck accident that was not your fault, there is a good chance that the truck driver who hit you was too tired to drive. However, it is unlikely that they would admit this. Here’s what you need to know about why truckers drive when they are sleepy so that you can prove it caused your collision and recover the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries.

Why Truckers Drive When They Are Too Tired

Driving when drowsy is as dangerous as driving when drunk. It reduces crucial driving skills, such as reaction time, judgment, vision, and much more, that are necessary to avoid a crash. Here are a few reasons why the trucker who struck you may have been too tired to drive safely.

Delivery Schedule

Truckers are under intense pressure to deliver their loads quickly, and often the trucking company does not allow for sufficient time for a driver to do this safely. Even if a truck driver is trying to plan their route with enough time to rest, they may face delays due to shippers taking too long to load a shipment, traffic conditions, and other situations beyond their control that force them to drive longer than they should.

Violations of Hours of Service Regulations

Because of the dangers of drowsy driving truck accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has enacted hours of service rules to limit the number of hours a trucker can drive without a break. Unfortunately, truckers routinely violate these federal regulations either due to pressure from the trucking company or their own desire to deliver their load quickly so that they can start another trip.

Highway Hypnosis

The majority of driving a trucker does is on the highway for long stretches of time. Drivers can experience highway hypnosis, where their senses are dulled and they have periods where they must fight to stay awake.

Drugs and Medical Conditions

Sleep apnea—a common problem for truckers—and other medical conditions can make it harder for a trucker to get the rest they need while on the road. In addition, truckers may take sleeping pills, uppers to stay awake, or depressants to combat the depression that comes with long hours on the road alone, which can make them less alert and drowsy.

Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Norfolk Today

Do you suspect that the trucker who caused your truck crash was too tired to drive? Our experienced truck accident lawyers know what evidence you will need to prove this and how to help you receive all the compensation you are entitled to under Virginia law. Fill out our convenient online form to schedule your free consultation today to start learning about your options.