Drowsy driving is a major problem on U.S. roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatigue was the primary cause of 72,000 crashes in 2013, which injured 44,000 people and killed 800.
Commercial truck drivers are prone to fatigue due to long hours on the road. This can delay the driver’s reaction time and affect decision making. Unfortunately, a crash with an 18 wheeler is likely to end with serious injuries.
If you were injured in a truck wreck, contact a Marietta personal-injury lawyer from the Crosson Law Group, LLC. Ken Crosson is a car accident attorney who will help you claim compensation for medical bills, lost wages and non-economic damages.
Call 678-909-0770 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also learn more about truck accident injury lawsuits in Georgia by visiting USAttorneys.com.
7 Tips to Help Truck Drivers Avoid Fatigue-Related Accidents
Driving while drowsy is almost as dangerous as being under the influence of alcohol. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the effects of fatigue are similar to those of intoxication. Symptoms include:
- Inhibited alertness;
- Slowed reaction time; and
- Impaired decision-making.
Truckers are at a higher risk of becoming fatigued than passenger vehicle drivers. In addition to driving for long hours, they are often on the road at times when they would normally sleep.
As such, it is critical that commercial truckers know the signs of fatigue and how to avoid drowsy driving accidents. These seven strategies are particularly effective:
- Get plenty of sleep;
- Manage your time. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you need to drive for extra hours to get back on schedule;
- Schedule regular stops. Take a break from the wheel every 100 miles or two hours;
- If you are on medication, ask your doctor if it causes drowsiness;
- Avoid alcohol. Drinking will make you drowsy;
- Visit a doctor if you are having trouble sleeping; and
- Eat before and during your trip.
4 Tips to Help Passenger Vehicle Drivers Avoid Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks have large blind spots, and they require a longer stopping distance. Due to their size, drivers often need to take wide turns – sometimes entering adjacent lanes to do so.
All passenger vehicle drivers should know how 18 wheelers handle so they can anticipate and avoid dangerous situations. Remember these four tips next time you drive near a big rig:
- Avoid the four blind spots: one in front, one in back, and two near the side windows;
- If a trucker is tailgating you, then change lanes to let him or her pass;
- If a truck driver is turning, then expect him or her to cross into your lane to take a wider angle; and
- Do not change lanes in front of a truck and then brake abruptly.
If you were injured in a truck crash, turn to The Crosson Law Group, LLC. As your personal-injury lawyer in Marietta, Ken Crosson will help you avoid mistakes during the claims process such as accepting a low settlement, unknowingly admitting fault to insurance adjusters or signing a general release.
Our office is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 678-909-0770 to schedule a free initial consultation.