Sleep apnea is a condition that can cause lack of restful sleep, making truck drivers who have it more likely to fall asleep at the wheel. Truck driver fatigue in Missouri and throughout the nation is a major problem with regard to sleep apnea as one cause in some instances. Yet despite increased research on sleep apnea and the dangers of driving without proper sleep, many businesses in the trucking industry have yet to implement ways to protect drivers and other motorists from the risks of sleep apnea, according to a recent article in Fleet Owner magazine.
The risks of sleep apnea for tractor-trailer drivers were highlighted in a Texas case in which a trucking company settled with a family after one of its drivers, who had been diagnosed with sleep apnea, fell asleep at the wheel, causing an accident that took the life of a Texas man. It is believed that the trucker had refused to treat his sleep apnea, and that his employer had not followed up with him regarding his care.
The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that up to one-third of commercial truck and bus drivers suffer from sleep apnea, a relatively common condition. While not all people who have sleep apnea are unable to drive safely, the risks of unsafe driving are increased when one is behind the wheel of a large vehicle, like a fully-loaded semi truck.
Driver fatigue causes several truck accidents each year, often with devastating results. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck crash, the experienced Missouri truck accident attorneys at Page Law can help. Call us today at (314) 322-8515 for a free case evaluation.
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A truck carrying a full trailer crashed early June 9, 2011 on I-44 near Springfield, Missouri, according to ozarkfirst.com. The accident occurred when the driver fell asleep at the wheel around 4:30 a.m. The driver woke up when his car began to drift across the lanes of the highway and then pulled back too hard on the wheel, causing him to hit the rock barrier at the side of the road.
Approximate site of the crash:
Fortunately, police said that the driver was not injured in the crash. However, the crash did shut down I-44W for a short time and slowed traffic as the debris from the crash was cleared from the roadway.
Truck driver fatigue in Missouri can be extremely dangerous. The Federal Motor Carries Safety Administration recognizes that fatigue can impair driver performance. They recommend that drivers get enough sleep before driving. They also say that drivers should maintain a healthy and regular diet because eating irregularly can cause you to become sleepy. Further, they say that drivers that are feeling groggy should stop and take a short nap instead of relying on tricks, such as turning the music up in the car, to keep them awake.
Fatigued driving is a serious problem on roads in Missouri. If you or someone that you know has been killed or injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need a competent St. Louis MO fatigue truck accident attorney to fight for you to get the settlement you deserve. Page Law is experienced with every sort of motor vehicle accident and you can contact us for a free consultation at 314-322-8515. There is no fee unless we recover a settlement for you so you have nothing to lose!
Sources:http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=469707
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A report released earlier this week showed just how widespread and dangerous driving while fatigued can be, according to The Washington Post.
The study found that 41 percent of drivers have admitted to driving while they are tired and drowsy. Tragically, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that over 1,500 Americans are killed each year as a result of sleepy drivers. Over 100,000 accidents occur annually because of fatigued driving.
A deadly Oklahoma accident occurred last year that clearly illustrates the dangers of drowsy driving. A fatigued tractor-trailer driver struck a line of cars sitting in traffic on an interstate. Ultimately, 10 people were killed and six were injured as a result of the fatal truck accident. Ironically, the traffic was backed up on the interstate because of a fender-bender that was caused by a driver who fell asleep behind the wheel.
Driving while fatigued can be particularly dangerous when large tractor-trailers are involved. Tractor-trailer operators spend the bulk of their days on the road, operating vehicles which could weigh 80,000 pounds at high rates of speed. Often, commercial truck drivers feel pressured to drive longer hours, and they may not get a good night’s sleep each night while they are on the road. In addition, many work night shifts or have irregular driving schedules.
Trucking companies are responsible for any injuries their drivers cause. If you’ve been in an accident with a tractor-trailer, compensation may be available for your injuries, damage to your vehicle, and more. Contact the Missouri truck accident attorneys at Page Law at 314-488-2433 for a free consultation of your Missouri tractor-trailer crash case.
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