Long-haul truck drivers are often on the roads at odd times, faced with tight deadlines, and drive for extended periods of the time. These conditions, even considering federal regulations, can lead to fatigued driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 100,000 traffic accidents and 1,550 traffic accident fatalities are caused by fatigued driving each year in the United States.
While all fatigued drivers pose a danger on our interstates and highways, a fatigued trucker is behind the wheel of an extremely large, heavy, and powerful vehicle. Tired drivers may drift into oncoming traffic, swerve out of their lane, or rear-end a vehicle in front of them.
LEARN MORE
- Truck Driver Fatigue Leading Cause of Commercial Truck Crashes
- FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations
- Trucking Injury Cases: Obtaining Medical Information on Fatigue or Medically Impaired Truck Drivers
Do you know the signs of a truck driven by a tired commercial driver?
- The truck is veering into other lanes.
- The truck is veering onto the shoulder.
- The truck is traveling at inconsistent speeds.
- The truck is on the road late at night or early in the morning.
- The truck is drifting from a lane and then overcorrecting.
If you see a big-rig on the highway or interstate that you believe is being driven by a tired driver, it is vital that you stay safe and that others on the road are kept safe. Do not approach the vehicle or attempt to pass it – instead, keep your distance from the truck. Next, call the police to report the truck, which is driving recklessly and which could very well cause a serious accident.
If you have been injured in a VA truck accident that you believe was caused by a tired truck driver, you may require legal representation. Contact our Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys today to learn more about your possible claim during a free, private consultation. Call (833) 997-1774 to schedule your appointment.