Operating a commercial vehicle while drowsy or fatigued can significantly increase the chances of being involved in an accident. In fact, driving after staying awake for more than 24 consecutive hours is equivalent to driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.10. Take a look at the impact that fatigue can have on Pennsylvania drivers and why taking a break might not always seem like a realistic option.
The impact fatigue can have on a driver
Fatigue can take a toll on your reflexes and your ability to make decisions in a timely manner. It can also negatively impact your ability to notice or anticipate what other vehicles in close proximity to yours are doing. For instance, you may not see that the car in front of yours has stopped suddenly or has experienced a tire blowout until it’s too late to take evasive action.
In some cases, fatigue might cause you to make an unsafe decision such as not looking before changing lanes or failing to stop at a red light. It is important to remember that a commercial truck is much larger than the average passenger vehicle. Therefore, an accident might result in serious injury or death to those inside of any car or truck that a tractor trailer collides with.
Why don’t truck drivers rest when they are tired?
Truck drivers are generally paid by the mile, which means that they can’t earn a paycheck if they are stopped on the side of the road. In some cases, individuals may feel a sense of pride in making timely deliveries regardless of how tight their deadlines may be. Alternatively, their bosses might put pressure upon them to make timely deliveries regardless of whether it is safe to do so.
Auto accidents might result in serious injuries that could take months or years to recover from. In some cases, you might never be able to go back to work or participate in activities that you enjoyed prior to being hurt. An attorney may be able to help you obtain compensation for medical bills or lost future earnings.