Question 1

Are You Too Tired?

Accepted Answer

It’s important to realize when you’re suffering from fatigue before you find yourself in a situation where you need a good lawyer. If you’re struggling to keep your eyes open or frequently yawning, these are obvious signs which shouldn&#8217;t be ignored.
There are more subtle signs that lack of sleep is affecting your performance, like not being able to remember the last few miles. If you miss turnings or have problems maintaining your speed, it’s better to get your semi-truck off the road.
Don&#8217;t let the demands of the job cause something to happen that you will regret forever.

Question 2

Can Truck Driver Fatigue Laws Prevent Accidents?

Accepted Answer

Truck driver fatigue laws were enacted to help prevent one of the major causes of truck accidents, tired drivers. Anybody who has ever gone on a long drive can probably tell you that it&#8217;s very easy to get tired on the road. After driving, mile after mile, highway hypnosis can set it in.
When this happens, your brain doesn&#8217;t work as well as it does normally. In fact, your brain functions in a manner closely resembling someone who is asleep. [1] Delayed reaction times and a feeling like you are in a haze, are a recipe for disaster when you’re on the road.
However, when you happen to be behind the wheel of a semi-truck carrying a huge load, the danger is only magnified further.

Question 3

What Are Truck Driver Fatigue Laws?

Accepted Answer

The 11-hour driving limit. A commercial truck driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours in a shift after 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time.
The 14-hour driving limit. A driver cannot drive past the 14th hour after starting their shift, following 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time. Additional off-duty time does not extend the 14-hour limit.
Rest break rules. A driver may drive only if 8 hours or less have passed since the end of their last sleeper berth of 30 minutes or more, or off-duty time. This rule doesn&#8217;t apply to drivers using short-haul exceptions.
The 60/70 Hour Limit. A driver may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty over the course of 7/8 consecutive days. A driver can restart this period by taking a minimum of 34 hours of consecutive off-duty time. [2]

Question 4

How Do These Laws Prevent Accidents?

Accepted Answer

Is it possible to prevent all accidents? No, but any reduction you can make means lives and property saved. Did you know that 13% of commercial truck drivers involved in an accident were found to be fatigued when the accident occurred? [3]
Truck driver fatigue laws recognize the huge role that fatigue often plays in accidents. These laws force drivers to get enough rest to safely operate their trucks. When someone drives a semi-truck for a living, they are under pressure to make deadlines.
Each mile on the road means more money on their paycheck, so obviously, drivers will want to push their limits. They are going to convince themselves that they are fine. Therefore, they keep driving when in reality fatigue is becoming an issue.
Since there are substantial penalties for failing to comply with driver fatigue laws, both businesses and drivers are incentivized to not break the rules. When pushing yourself beyond your limits is no longer possible, it takes the risk of drivers trying to do too much out of the equation.
Violating driver fatigue laws penalizes drivers so the financial incentive for driving when they are very fatigued goes away. Without that incentive, and with fear of the penalties, drivers usually obey all fatigue laws which makes the roads safer for everyone.

Question 5

Can Semi Truck Brake Problems Cause Accidents?

Accepted Answer

Can brake problems in a semi-truck contribute to or cause an accident? Absolutely. The brakes on vehicles are there to allow drivers to control their speed and stop. If something goes wrong with the brake system of any car, the chances of an accident happening go up dramatically.
This is a big part of why companies that operate semi-trucks invest so much time and money into properly maintaining them. Not only do they care about the safety of their drivers and of the public, but they also care about the possibility that they could be sued for negligence if they don&#8217;t keep up with maintenance on their trucks.

The Shuman Blog

Category: Semi-Truck Accidents

What is the Difference Between Interstate and Intrastate?

Five Reasons to Hire a Truck Accident Attorney

What is a Jackknife Truck Accident?

Commercial Truck Accident Lawsuits

FedEx Truck Accident Statistics

How to Choose a Truck Accident Lawyer

How are Car Accident Cases Different From 18-Wheeler Accidents?

Choosing a Truck Accident Attorney – Experience matters!

What Bobtailing is & How it Could Cause a Truck Accident

Article Categories

Shuman Legal® named as one of America's Most Trusted Lawyers Award for the 6th year in a row.