Commercial trucking is responsible for the largest chunk of cross-country freight transportation in the U.S. This is a remarkable achievement, considering that trucks were not used for transporting cargo until the advent of WWI. Long before that, people relied on horse-driven vehicles and trains to get goods from one place to another.
So, when you see the rigs thundering down the highway in your state, know that they are building the economy, one trip at a time.
However, it is also important to consider the imminent threat posed by these trucks: tired drivers. Unfortunately, truck drivers often struggle with sleep deprivation, and this remains a massive safety concern in the U.S.
For example, 20 hours without sleep equals a BAC of 0.08%. This means a truck driver’s reaction time is greatly reduced, increasing the risk of catastrophic accidents.
How Sleep Deprivation Impairs Truck Drivers
A healthy body needs a regular sleep cycle. When that cycle is disrupted, a person can no longer function at an optimal physical and cognitive level. Therefore, truck drivers who go for several hours without sleep (when they should be sleeping) automatically experience a decline in their driving abilities.
As mentioned above, sleep-deprived driving is the same as driving under the influence of alcohol. The delayed reaction time caused by this situation can lead to a driver making bad decisions and causing an accident.
Moreover, a fatigued truck driver cannot process information as fast as a well-rested one. This means they are more likely to miscalculate distances and miss traffic signals. They may also not see hazards on the road until it is too late.
Ultimately, this can cause the driver to perform risky maneuvers like late lane changes or tailgating. These all come with the potential for massive accidents.
It is also more likely that tired truck drivers will experience microsleeps. This is a terrifying, dangerous situation in which drivers fall asleep for a few seconds. Imagine a multi-ton truck with a driver asleep at the wheel, even if only for a second. This makes the risk of a deadly accident very real.
Factors That Add to Truck Driver Fatigue
Several factors contribute to driver fatigue. Truck drivers are usually under immense pressure to deliver goods on time on the other side of the country. This can cause them to forgo sleep to meet their deadlines. Long drives and familiar routes also pose a problem. If drivers are already tired, they may go on auto-pilot on a road they know very well. This, combined with a lack of sleep, can lead to a major crash.
Sometimes, trucking companies offer drivers extra money if they drive more miles. While many drivers appreciate this incentive, it can cause them to sleep less and ignore necessary rest breaks.
Furthermore, many drivers may find it challenging to locate safe rest stops, especially on certain routes. If they encounter dodgy or crowded ones, they may continue driving, exacerbating their fatigue.
It is also possible that truck drivers may suffer from undiagnosed disorders, which prevent them from getting enough sleep. If this type of situation continues over time, it will worsen the driver’s fatigue and increase the risk of an accident.
The Devastating Consequences of Driving While Tired
Drivers who continue driving their trucks while fatigued or overtired can cause horrific accidents. The size and weight of a commercial truck alone make these accidents far worse than crashes between light motor vehicles.
Truck accidents often cause multiple fatalities, including the driver. Those who survive often suffer devastating injuries to their spines and brains. Many have to undergo amputations. The consequences do not end there; these injuries mean years of medical care and rehabilitation. This can lead to intense physical, emotional, and financial suffering.
How Driver Fatigue Can Be Prevented
While it is not possible to prevent all accidents, companies and truck drivers can make essential efforts to reduce fatigue. For instance, trucking companies can double down on driving hours and mandatory rest breaks. Electronic logging devices can help with this.
There should also be a greater focus on providing comfortable and safe rest facilities for truck drivers throughout the U.S. Additionally, drivers will benefit from awareness programs to help them recognize the signs of fatigue.
Furthermore, technology can also play a role in making truck driving a safer activity. Lane departure warnings and drowsiness detection systems can alert drivers and encourage them to pull over instead of carrying on driving.
Safer Highways for All
Truck accidents can cause devastation, damage, personal injury, and death. However, if trucking companies, drivers, and other road users work together, it is possible to make U.S. highways safer for everyone.
