Truck driver fatigue can lead to serious accidents

Semi trucks can be intimidating to others on the road. However, they are needed for the transportation of goods, so they are not going away anytime soon. Sadly, truck accidents are a common occurrence in New York and across the country. It is believed that truck driver fatigue is a contributing factor in quite a few of these incidents.

Anyone who has driven for long distances or extended periods of time knows that drowsy driving is a real issue. The trucking industry and the government are aware of this and the dangers that driving while fatigued poses on truckers and the general public. For this reason, federal regulations set specific standards for the number of hours a commercial driver is permitted to drive on any given day. Certain rules have also been set regarding required break times.

If an accident involving a commercial vehicle occurs, the driver’s work log is generally one of the first things that is reviewed. This log is a record of that driver’s time on the road. The rules regarding how long a truck driver is allowed to be on the road varies depending on what he or she is hauling, the distance needed to travel and what kind of vehicle he or she is operating.

Those in New York who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones in accidents with semis as a possible result of truck driver fatigue do have the right to seek compensation for any associated damages incurred. Civil claims can be filed against the driver believed responsible and possibly his or her employer as well. If claims of negligence can be successfully established in court, financial compensation may be awarded.

Source: fmcsa.got.gov, “Regulations Section: Part 395 — Hours Of Service Of Drivers“, Accessed on Aug. 17, 2016