Truck driver fatigue is a serious problem in Oklahoma for truck drivers, regular drivers, and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “truck driver fatigue was a factor in 885 fatal crashes and 3,438 injury crashes in 2010.” This problem is only getting worse as the demands of the trucking industry continue to increase. In this blog post, we’ll explore the dangers of truck driver fatigue and what can be done to keep our roads safe and reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents.
What causes truck driver fatigue?
There are many factors that can contribute to truck driver fatigue. Drivers spend long hours on the road, often striving to meet deadlines. For many drivers, they lose focus as they face hours of monotonous driving, speeding down hundreds of miles of highway that all look the same. When they do get a chance to sleep, many of them sleep in their trucks, usually sleeping in uncomfortable positions. Some drivers take medications that help them stay awake longer. Those drugs often have side effects that include a loss of focus.
What are the dangers of truck driver fatigue?
Truck driver fatigue is a serious issue that can lead to devastating motor vehicle accidents. It is estimated that fatigue is a factor in up to 20% of all truck accidents, and it is often cited as a contributing factor in some of the most serious accidents.
How can we prevent truck driver fatigue?
Truck driver fatigue is a serious problem that can lead to accidents and injuries. It is important for truck drivers to get enough rest so that they can stay alert and safe on the road. There are a few things that truck drivers can do to prevent fatigue, such as:
- Get enough sleep: Truck drivers should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Take breaks: Drivers should take a break every 2-3 hours to rest and rejuvenate.
- Eat healthy: A healthy diet can help truck drivers stay energized and alert.
Knowing the causes of driver fatigue can help all drivers stay safe on the road.
