Dangers of Truck Driver Fatigue
Our New Mexico Lawyers Explain the Dangers of Truck Driver Fatigue
It is widely known that it is never a good idea to operate a motor vehicle while fatigued. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, driving while fatigued is as dangerous as driving under the influence. For drivers who choose to get behind the wheel after going more than 20 hours without sleep, its as dangerous as driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08% (the legal limit in the U.S). The dangers of truck driver fatigue can result in a large commercial vehicle becoming an unguided missile that could seriously injured or wrongfully kill an innocent person.
According to the SleepFoundation, truck drivers are offenders of getting behind the wheel while fatigued. A study performed in the United States and Canada found that on average, truck drivers had 5 hours or less of sleep before operating their semi-tractor trailer. People who operate a semi-tractor trailer while sleep deprived have on average much lower response times, poor decision making, and failure in maintaining their attention on the road causing them to be at greater risk for accidents.
This is especially dangerous for truck drivers as they are operating a large vehicle and semi-tractor trailers require increased attention and reaction time as drivers need an increased distance to stop. Truck drivers often work long hours, many days a week which leads to physical and mental fatigue. Our New Mexico accident lawyer for accidents caused by distracted driving know just how dangerous this can be too
Liability for Truck Driving Accidents in New Mexico
Due to many factors, accidents involving semi-tractor trailers can be quite deadly. If the victims survive, they often deal with serious and sometimes lifelong consequences. Other things may be thought to be the cause, such as a truck defect, speeding on the part of the truck of other automobile or perhaps weather conditions. However, while all of these things can be the cause of tractor trailer crashes, lack of sleep on the part of the driver may be to blame.
Under New Mexico common law and statutory law, motorist (i.e. truck drivers) are not permitted to operate in a dangerous manner, which includes extreme fatigue. Furthermore, federal regulations prohibit a tractor trailer driver from operating their vehicle if they are tired or fatigued. When an accident does occur in New Mexico involving a commercial truck, an investigation must be performed to identify whether or not the driver was fatigued while driving. Evaluating the driver’s log book to determine if they were adhering to HOS regulations is an import piece is extremely helpful in a personal injury victim’s case.
Injured in a Trucking Accident? The Dangers of Truck Driver Fatigue May Have Caused Your Accident
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in any type of trucking accident, ask our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers to conduct an investigation into whether the truck driver’s conduct caused your serious personal injuries or wrongful death. This includes whether truck driver fatigue, which can be difficult to prove, caused or contributed to your trucking accident in New Mexico.
Call for a FREE consultation to learn how we can help you today. We handle cases throughout New Mexico, including in Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Roswell, Farmington, Hobbs, Lordsburg, or anywhere else in the state, including Albuquerque where our law office is located. Call the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. by dialing (505) 883-5000 to learn how we can help. You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
