The Dangers of Louisiana Truck Driver Fatigue

The long hours and demanding schedules of the trucking industry can take a toll on drivers’ well-being. Many truck drivers develop chronic sleep deprivation and fatigue, putting themselves and others on the road at risk.

A 2023 study on Truck Driver Health found that about 38% of commercial truck drivers reported feeling sleepy or fatigued behind the wheel. Even with regulations limiting driving hours, fatigue remains a serious problem in the trucking industry.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a fatigued truck driver in Louisiana, a qualified Louisiana truck driver fatigue lawyer can help.

What Causes Truck Driver Fatigue?

It’s obvious that driving without adequate sleep can cause a truck driver to feel drowsy behind the wheel, as can driving for too long without a break.

However, there are a variety of other causes that can result in truck driver fatigue:

Illness

We all know the frustration of feeling under the weather, but for truck drivers, getting back on the road healthy can be an even bigger challenge.

• Demanding schedules often leave little room for crucial rest our bodies need to truly fight off an illness.
  
  
• Lack of recovery time can lead to lingering fatigue, putting both the driver and others on the road at risk.

Medication

Truckers often work through a nagging cough that disrupts sleep, or a backache that begs for relief.

• Some medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can leave users feeling drowsy or foggy.

Truck drivers facing tight deadlines or seeking relief from discomfort sometimes overlook these side effects, even though they are listed on the label.

The tricky part is everyone reacts differently to medications. What might leave one driver feeling perfectly alert could cause another to feel sluggish behind the wheel.

Inebriation

In addition to drunk driving being a crime in and of itself, alcohol and drug use often leads to fatigue behind the wheel.

• An alarming 91% of truckers interviewed reported drinking alcohol.
  
  
• This rate is likely even higher in certain areas of the United States, like Louisiana, where liquor laws are less restrictive (but still heavily enforced) compared to other states.

Working Unusual Shifts

Truck drivers are the backbone of our economy, keeping goods flowing across the country. This often means juggling demanding schedules and trading shifts to meet tight deadlines.

Routine fuels the human body. So, when drivers take unfamiliar shifts that disrupt their sleep cycle, it’s like asking them to battle fatigue in the middle of their route.

• Adding to this challenge, many drivers are compensated by the mile, not by the hour.
  
  
• This can create a powerful incentive to push through fatigue, especially when faced with unrealistic delivery deadlines. The result is an increased risk of accidents, putting not only the driver but everyone on the road at risk.

Signs of Truck Driver Fatigue

Sharing the road with a commercial truck can be intimidating, but staying alert for signs of fatigue in the truck driver can help everyone stay safe.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Swerving: If the truck is weaving in its lane or drifting towards oncoming traffic, it could be a sign of a drowsy driver.
  
  
• Risky maneuvers: Erratic behavior like cutting off other vehicles or pulling out in front of heavy traffic can be a red flag.
  
  
• Slow reactions: Remember, trucks take longer to stop than cars. But if a driver seems especially slow to react to changing road conditions, it’s worth noting.
  
  
• Exhaustion signs: If you end up interacting with the driver after an accident, look for signs of fatigue like slurred speech or sluggish movements.

If you notice these signs, here’s what to do:

• Report it: Mention any fatigue concerns you have to the responding officer. While a police report alone isn’t definitive proof, it can be a valuable piece of evidence.
  
  
• Seek legal guidance: Truck accident investigations can be complex and consulting with an experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyer can make a significant difference in your case.

Truck Driver Fatigue Is Not a Defense

If you’ve been hit by a drowsy truck driver, remember that fatigue is not an excuse for their behavior. Fatigue behind the wheel can be as dangerous, if not more so, than driving under the influence.

The road to recovery can be long and complicated after sustaining injuries in a truck accident. You deserve fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Consult with Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys After a Commercial Truck Accident

After you’ve been involved in a large truck wreck, call Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. We have decades of experience helping Louisiana residents receive the compensation they need to heal from their injuries.

With locations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Gonzales, Hammond, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Shreveport, and Zachary, our truck accident lawyers are here for you.