Due to the size difference between tractor-trailer trucks and other vehicles on the road, truck accidents can easily cause significant damage and severe injuries to drivers of smaller vehicles. Since these accidents can be so devastating, truck drivers are held to higher standards than other drivers on the road and they must follow stricter laws. One of these laws regulates the number of hours they work to prevent drowsy driving.
If every truck driver and trucking company adhered to these laws, they could prevent a lot of deadly truck accidents. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Trucking is a high-pressure business, with tight deadlines and a lot of incentive to deliver goods quickly. Often, employers pressure their drivers to push themselves to the limit in order to get their trucks to their destinations more quickly.
How drowsiness affects truck drivers
Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. If a driver is up for 24 hours straight, in some ways it is like they have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10%, which is above the legal limit for any driver. It also delays drivers’ reaction times in decision making. Drowsiness can also make it difficult for drivers to keep their attention on the road and on what is happening around them. When all of these effects are taken together it is easy to see how drowsiness can cause truck accidents.
Unfortunately, there are many truck accidents in California each year. Some of the victims of these accidents will suffer life-changing injuries. These injuries not only change people’s lives physically, but they also can be extremely expensive. Medical bills can add up quickly and people may lose income if they cannot work as well. If the accident is caused by a drowsy truck driver, the victim may be able to obtain compensation for their damages. Experienced attorneys understand how devastating these accidents can be and may be a useful resource.