Why are tired truck drivers dangerous?

Truck drivers contribute to a wide range of industries in Colorado, and the drivers of large trucks put much effort into delivering and picking up cargo. Their long hours mean they may get tired behind the wheel. Unfortunately, feeling drowsy could increase the potential for an accident. Considering the size of tractor-trailers and semi-trucks, the resultant accidents may cause massive damage.

Fatigue and driving a truck

Spending too much time behind the wheel contributes to fatigue. That’s one reason why federal and state regulations restrict how many consecutive hours a driver may work. Regardless of what the law says, some drivers and their employers might ignore the rules. Doing so increases the chances of an accident, which, in turn, could precede credible claims of negligence.

Driver fatigue behavior can be caused by more than just blatantly not taking breaks when the law says to. Not getting enough sleep at night can also make it hard to respond quickly and keep your mind on the road. It's important to know that using staying up late as an excuse in a liability case is not likely to work. Driver fatigue must be dealt with if we want to improve road safety and stop crashes caused by drivers who are too tired to drive. Anyone who takes to the road in an impaired state, even one derived from a lack of sleep, opens doors to negligence claims.

Impairment and negligence

Impairment might come from taking substances that cause drowsiness. Alcohol and illegal drugs rank high on the list of things capable of making a driver tired. Most people understand that driving under the influence often involves alcohol and controlled substances, but they may not realize that even taking an over-the-counter drug can come with risks. Deliberate or unintentional risky behavior may leave someone liable for an accident. Impaired driving causes a death every 52 hours in Colorado, as reported by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). This distressing statistic emphasizes the severe consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other impairing substances.

People take over-the-counter remedies when they feel sick, but it may not be wise to travel when feeling under the weather. A cold or the flu might hamper concentration, and taking a sick day might be preferable to working and causing an accident.

Tired truck drivers run the risk of causing auto accidents when they drive while fatigued or otherwise impaired. Individuals who suffer due to a crash may need to consult with an attorney about how to pursue damages.