How Can Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Avoid Fatigue?

Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers face a lot of hazards while out on the road, including severe weather, impaired motorists, and heavy traffic. Although all of these dangers are out of their control, there is one hazard that CMV drivers can take steps to avoid, and that’s drowsy driving.

Fatigue is common among truckers for a variety of reasons. In addition to lack of sleep, it can arise as the result of extended hours on duty, lack of mental stimulation, or strenuous work conditions.

Drowsy drivers are dangerous drivers, and the larger their vehicle is, the more damage they will cause in the event of a collision. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatigued motorists were responsible for at least 72,000 collisions in 2013, which resulted in 44,000 injuries and 800 fatalities.

These statistics highlight the fact that truckers are not the only ones who can cause drowsy driving collisions; however, CMV drivers should be more aware of their limits because they are so prone to fatigue while behind the wheel and can cause devastating accidents when they fail to recognize their own drowsiness.

If you were injured or lost a family member in a semi-truck collision, contact the Cooper Law Firm. You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical bills, and non-economic damages. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free case evaluation with a semi-truck accident lawyer in Texas.

Read on to learn how CMV drivers can avoid fatigue when on duty:

Get Plenty of Sleep before Hitting the Road

Working long hours as a truck driver can make it hard to maintain a regular sleep schedule, but CMV drivers should do everything in their power to get at least eight hours of sleep every night. The body thrives on routine, and the brain needs quality sleep on a daily basis in order to function at full capacity.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Skipping meals and then binging later to make up for it can cause fatigue, as can consuming foods that have little nutritional value. For example, snacking on candy might keep drivers alert in the moment, but once their body metabolizes the sugar, they will experience an inevitable “crash,” which can contribute to fatigue.

Avoid Medication That Can Cause Drowsiness

Both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness. Cold medicine is notorious for inducing drowsiness, so truckers need to be aware of all possible side effects before taking something while on the road.

Follow All Trucking Regulations

There are both federal and state regulations that limit how long truckers can drive in a single day. It is essential that CMV drivers follow these regulations in order to avoid fatigue and protect themselves from liability. If a trucker violates these rules and causes a collision as a result, it will be easy for the other motorists involved to prove fault.

If you were injured by a drowsy truck driver, contact the Cooper Law Firm to discuss your case. Attorney N. Eric Cooper will investigate your crash, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and help you fight for the maximum payout.

Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with a semi-truck accident attorney in Texas. You can learn more about truck crashes in Texas by visiting USAttorneys.com.