How Driver Fatigue Contributes To Louisiana Trucking Accidents
Truck drivers play a critical role in our economy, but their demanding schedules and long hours on duty can lead to drivers staying behind the wheel despite fatigue and drowsiness. Driver fatigue is a major contributing factor to trucking accidents on our Louisiana roadways, and the sad reality is that many of these crashes can be prevented.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by a fatigued driver, you deserve compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial damages. You may not even realize that a tired truck driver is what caused the wreck in the first place. At Louisiana Law Lady, our compassionate and knowledgeable attorney is dedicated to seeking justice and full compensation for Louisiana truck accident victims. Consider scheduling your free case review at (504) 470-3511 today to learn how Lauren can help.
How Does Driver Fatigue Happen?
Fatigue occurs when a person does not get enough sleep or fails to get quality sleep. It can greatly impair a person’s ability to drive, but many drivers are not aware of how fatigued they are until they are behind the wheel, putting others at risk. Many factors contribute to driver’s tiredness and increase the risk of being involved in a fatigue-related collision, including:
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Stress
- Disturbed sleep
- Driving for long periods of time
- Prescription or over-the-counter medications
- Untreated sleep disorders
- Overwork
How Does Driver Fatigue Cause Accidents?
Truck drivers are typically required to drive long distances without many breaks. The cognitive effects of fatigue are serious, and it is the responsibility of the driver to avoid driving while tired or drowsy. The following are some of the most common ways that driver fatigue contributes to accidents:
- Reduced alertness and inability to focus. When a person drives while drowsy, they may not be able to give their full attention to the road, obstacles, and other drivers.
- Delayed reaction times. Slower reaction times can impact a driver’s ability to hit the brakes in time or properly respond to emergencies.
- Poor judgment. Fatigue can impact a person’s judgment and decision-making, causing them to make risky decisions on the road. For example, a driver may misjudge the distance between their truck and the car in front of them, leading to a rear-end crash.
- Falling asleep while operating a truck. Of course, the primary risk of driver fatigue is falling asleep at the wheel. Falling asleep while operating an 80,000-pound fully loaded commercial truck is incredibly dangerous and can lead to serious accidents.
Statistics on Trucking Accidents Caused By Driver Fatigue
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study reports that in approximately 13% of trucking accidents, the driver stated feeling fatigued at the time of the crash. Other studies have suggested that this statistic is even higher, suggesting that driver fatigue is a contributing factor to up to 40% of all trucking accidents. These statistics point to larger, systemic issues within the trucking industry. While regulations have been put in place to help prevent fatigue-related crashes, driver fatigue remains a leading factor in commercial truck accidents.
Regulations Aimed at Preventing Driver Fatigue
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has implemented several regulations to help prevent driver fatigue, including:
- Hours of Service regulations limit the number of consecutive hours that a driver can operate a commercial truck and impose specific break requirements that drivers must abide by when on duty.
- Electronic Logging Devices. Used to accurately capture a driver’s hours of service, these devices are now mandated in most commercial trucks. This technology helps enforce hours of service compliance and prevent drivers from falsifying their driving records.
Can You Hold a Driver Liable for a Fatigue-Related Trucking Accident?
If you were involved in a fatigue-related trucking accident, you may be able to hold the driver accountable and obtain compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages. Truck drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles in a safe, responsible, and careful manner. If they fail to uphold this duty, they may be held liable.
Can You Hold a Trucking Company Liable for a Fatigue-Related Trucking Accident in Louisiana?
In some cases, it may be possible to also hold the trucking company liable for failing to enforce the above-mentioned regulations. At LA Law Lady, Lauren pursues all responsible parties to hold them accountable for their role in the crash. If a trucking company pressures its drivers to work without adequate rest breaks or to drive during periods of sleep deprivation, Lauren works to hold the company liable for damages.
Contact an Experienced Louisiana Trucking Accident Attorney at Louisiana Law Lady Today
LA Law Lady will stand by you in all matters related to your Louisiana trucking accident. Our attorney works tirelessly to ensure that you and your loved ones receive the compensation you deserve after driver fatigue causes a disastrous accident. Schedule your free case review at (504) 470-3511 today to take the first step toward pursuing justice.