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Understanding truck driver fatigue and accidents

On Behalf of | Mar 1, 2022 | trucking accidents |

There are many causes of truck accidents in Tennessee, but one of the most common is driver fatigue. Although not many people think about it, driving a truck is very tiring work, and many truckers end up causing accidents because of the nature of this job.

What leads to truck driver fatigue?

One common reason for fatigue is the long hours that truckers often have to work. Truckers drive for long periods of time with few breaks, and this can lead to fatigue. Many truck drivers drive for extended periods to meet deadlines, and this makes some of them extremely fatigued and more likely to get into commercial carrier accidents.

Another common cause of truck driver fatigue is sleep deprivation. Many truckers have to drive through the night, and this can lead to them being very tired during the day.

On top of that, many truckers have to deal with a lot of stress, especially if they are driving in bad weather or in heavy traffic. This can also lead to fatigue, and it can be very dangerous for both the trucker and other motorists on the road.

Last but not least, truckers often find themselves doing other jobs around the truck when they are supposed to be resting, such as repairing one or more parts of their trucks, checking the load, filling up with fuel and making phone calls. This can also lead to fatigue.

How can you prevent truck driver fatigue?

If you’re a truck driver, try to get enough sleep before you start any trip. That means getting at least seven hours of sleep every night. You should also take breaks every two or three hours to rest and rejuvenate yourself.

On long trips, you should try to take 30-minute naps every six hours. If you feel fatigued while driving, don’t hesitate to pull over and rest for a bit. Additionally, try to avoid driving at night if possible as this is when you’re likely to be the most tired. If you have to drive at night, make sure you’re well-rested before starting your shift.

Lastly, try to avoid stressful situations while driving, such as bad weather or heavy traffic. If you can’t avoid them, try to stay calm and focused while driving.

Truck driver fatigue can be dangerous for both the trucker and other motorists on the road. Thankfully, it is possible to prevent truck driver fatigue by getting enough sleep, taking breaks and avoiding stressful situations while driving.

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