Interstate trucking represents an essential sector of the United States economy. Businesses, households, and public agencies depend on long-haul drivers to travel coast to coast, delivering needed goods and raw materials.
Unfortunately, truck drivers sometimes risk injury and death when they get too little sleep while on the road.
According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, about one out of eight traffic deaths are attributed to collisions, including large trucks.
Safety Regulations for Long-Haul Truck Drivers
To reduce truck-related accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) restricts how long commercial drivers can be on the road during a typical workweek. This regulation, hours of service (HOS), stipulates the maximum driving hours and the number and length of rest periods.
Since September 29, 2020, long-haul drivers have had to comply with revised provisions of the HOS. These revisions intend to expand drivers’ flexibility while maintaining safety on the road. Some of the regulatory changes include
- Expanding the maximum number of miles and hours per shift for short-haul truckers
- Requiring breaks of at least 30 minutes per eight continuous driving hours, placing the focus on driving rather than on-duty time.
- Increasing allowable driving time by up to two hours for inclement weather and hazardous road conditions
While fatigue can negatively affect all drivers, the danger is compounded when the vehicle is an 80,000 lb. truck that can put others at risk if poorly handled. Driver fatigue reduces visual perception and decision-making abilities and increases physical response time. When drivers allow themselves enough time for sleep while on the road, that does not necessarily mean that they got enough quality sleep to be rested the next day.
Also, when long-haul truckers work through prime sleeping hours (between 1 and 5 a.m.), they experience disruptions in their natural circadian rhythms. These disruptions can lead to chronic sleep deprivation, which can contribute to sleep apnea, affecting up to one-third of truck drivers. Sleep apnea can also increase the risk of cardiac disease and other serious conditions.
An accident involving a large truck can result in psychological shock, devastating injury, and even wrongful death.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a truck-related crash, an experienced attorney in Cincinnati can answer your questions and help you get fair compensation.