One of the Leading Causes of Trucking Accidents

Getting into an accident with a large truck can have devastating consequences for all parties involved, and unfortunately all too often the accident may be caused by driver fatigue.  In fact the U.S. Department of Transportation reports, “Nearly 4,000 people die in large truck crashes each year and driver fatigue is a leading factor.  Tragically, the truck drivers themselves sometimes die driving tired.”

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a new rule in December of 2011 that was designed to stop fatigued driving.  It basically made two important updates to the “hours of service” rules for truck drivers.  First it required drivers to take a 30-minute break within the first 8 hours of drive time.  The other change involved the use of the 34-hour rest period, known as the “restart.”  Overall the new rule reduced the average maximum week a driver could work from 82 hours to 70 hours.

One of the biggest problems with fatigue is that it sneaks up on drivers, and new research indicates a strong correlation between long work hours and insufficient recovery time leading to reduction in sleep and chronic fatigue.  Fatigued drivers not only have slower reaction times but a diminished capacity to assess situations.  Sometimes truck drivers actually fall asleep while driving, and others use stimulants to stay awake, which can further impair their ability to drive and lead to accidents that cause severe injuries and even fatalities.

At Schiff & Associates we are experienced in proving driver fatigue as the cause of tractor-trailer and other truck accidents.  Our investigation is thorough and we know how to secure the evidence that can prove violations of safety regulations.  We have a long history of successfully winning truck driver liability claims and claims against trucking companies and we will work to get you the compensation you deserve.  Visit our website to learn more.

The experienced team of Schiff & Associates has offered the area trusted legal representation in cases of personal injury and wrongful death since 1982.  We have a history of getting clients the results they deserve and recognize that financial recovery from an accident is just as important as physical recovery.  Call today for information regarding legal services from Columbus, Ohio’s top personal injury lawyer.

Source: transportation.gov/fastlane/why-we-care-about-truck-driver-fatigue