What Are The Risks Of Truck Fatigue Drive? (PDF)
Every day, truck drivers across the country can spend 800 miles on the road. They are only allowed to be on the road for 11 hours out of a 14-hour shift, but if they adhere to this federal mandate then there’s still a significant amount unfulfilled. Truck driver fatigue has become increasingly prevalent with driver shortages continuing to plague many companies, leaving many companies struggling to find enough drivers to take care of their loads. More severe levels of fatigue can lead to more accidents and incidents on the road which is why it’s so important that truck drivers follow company rules and regulations set in place by insurance agencies.
1. Trouble with tunnels vision
Truck drivers already have a difficult time watching the road around them when they’re not tired. Tunnel vision could make it an even greater challenge to keep track of what’s going on in the world outside of their tank. It also discourages truck drivers from keeping up with traffic signals and hazards, which increases their chances of being involved in a devastating accident.
2. Slowed reflex
Fatigue can make a driver’s reflexes slow, which could mean not stopping in time or reacting properly to potential problems. This is dangerous for truck drivers because it takes longer for them to stop than it does for passenger cars. With slowed reflexes, drivers may have a hard time ensuring their safety or that of the people in their path. Fatigue can also make it hard to steer and brake properly, which can cause an accident with truckers.
3. Fall asleep while driving
A truck will continue to move even if the driver is asleep. When drivers fall asleep at the wheel, it increases their chances of having an accident. The effects are severe for both the driver and people in or around the truck because there’s no one manning it. It can be just as bad when a driver falls asleep for just a few seconds, or when they doze off for longer periods of time.
Fight against truck fatigue
The FMCSA has regulations that help combat driver fatigue after 8 hours of driving. Truck drivers must take a 30-minute break, and must spend 7 hours without driving after 14 hours on the job. However, some truck drivers may have exceptions that allow them to drive for longer, which may further increase their fatigue levels.
