Every year, approximately 4,000 people die in commercial truck accidents. These accidents are usually much more devastating than other types of vehicle accidents due to the huge size and massive weight of tractor-trailers and other trucks. Although there are many potential causes of truck accidents, one of the most common is truck driver fatigue. Anyone who has been injured in a truck accident should contact a truck accident lawyer in Virginia victims recommend from MartinWren, P.C. to find out what type of compensation they may be entitled to.
Fatigue Driving Epidemic
Drowsy driving has become almost an epidemic in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 1,500 people are killed and another 100,000 are injured in drowsy driving vehicle accidents. The issue is especially prevalent with commercial truck drivers due to the long hours they spend behind the wheel. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites commercial truck drivers as being at higher risk than other drivers of falling asleep while driving.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the government agency that regulates commercial trucks and other carriers. The FMCSA has established Hours of Service regulations that all truck drivers are required to follow. The current rules are:
- Truck drivers can drive for a maximum of 11 hours following a minimum of 10 hours rest time.
- Truck drivers cannot drive after the 14th consecutive hour of coming on duty following a minimum of 10 hours rest time.
- Truck drivers must take a 30-minute break when they have driven for eight cumulative hours without any 30-minute breaks.
- Truck driver cannot drive after 60 hours on duty in seven consecutive days (if the carrier does not operate every day of the week) or 70 hours on duty in eight consecutive days (if the carrier does operate every day of the week).
A Virginia personal injury lawyer knows that even though these federal regulations are in place, there are still many truck drivers who violate these Hours of Service (HOS) rules. This often due to the pressure that trucking companies put on drivers to meet almost impossible delivery schedules.
Even drivers who adhere to the HOS rules still are at high risk of suffering from fatigue driving. In national surveys, at least one out of every 25 truck drivers admit to falling asleep while operating their truck within the prior month.
A drowsy truck driver not only puts themselves in danger but also everyone else they share the roads with. It takes special training, skill, and attention to driver a commercial truck. These vehicles are difficult to maneuver due to their limited steering capabilities. And the braking systems in commercial trucks require more time and distance to slow down or stop then passenger vehicles. A large commercial truck needs 40 percent more distance to come to a stop than a car. Now imagine a drowsy truck driver, resulting in slower reaction time, and the deadly consequences that can occur.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
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If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact MartinWren, P.C. to schedule a free consultation with driver fatigue lawyer Virginia. Find out how our firm can get you the financial compensation you deserve.
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