Large truck accidents are a big threat on America’s roads. Because of their size and weight, commercial trucks can do serious damage to passenger vehicles. Drivers in Florida should know that truck accidents are on the rise. There are a number of reasons for this. Many of these truck accidents are related to the truck driver’s mindset and behavior. Fatigue behind the wheel is a cause of many truck accidents on our highways.
Fatigue on the Road
Fatigued or drowsy driving is a concern no matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving. When people are tired, they are less effective behind the wheel. Their reaction times become similar to those seen in drunk drivers. Because of this, there are federal regulations about how long commercial drivers can stay behind the wheel. Truckers may drive for up to 11 hours, provided they’ve had a 10-hour sleep break before that.
However, these regulations don’t do much to prevent common circumstances where drivers start to feel tired. Driving on the highway can have a hypnotic effect on people because long stretches of highway are so repetitive. That can be especially true at night. It can be hard for truckers to stay awake. This can be a factor in some commercial truck accidents.
To protect yourself from truck accidents, always be aware of your surroundings on the road. Pay attention to how close other vehicles are to you. Work to maintain proper stopping distances. Don’t be afraid to pull over or change lanes if you need to avoid another driver who is moving erratically.
For truckers, it’s a good idea to open the window and feel the cold air on your face if you’re starting to get drowsy. Better yet, stop for some coffee or a nap. It may prevent injuries to you and others.
If you’ve been in a truck accident, contact Burnett Law, P.A. for legal assistance.