Rushing from one state to another, Maryland residents are likely to share the roadways with trucks most of time. The trucking industry is an integral part of the economy in America, as trucks transport goods from one state to another. Their heavy presence on the road and their sheer size means the trucking industry is heavily regulated by both federal and state laws. These laws regulate many aspects of the industry, from the weight of the freight to the hours truckers may drive at a stretch without taking a break.
Why are there laws on how long a trucker can drive?
According to some estimates, fatigue plays a role in more than one in ten serious crashes on the highway. Fatigue slows down a driver’s responses to changing road conditions and this is especially dangerous for truck drivers, as it takes a longer time for a truck to stop when brakes are applied or to take a turn.
What causes fatigue in truckers?
Truck drivers are more likely to be fatigued than other drivers since they spend long hours behind the wheel, especially during the night when one naturally tends to be drowsy. Truck drivers generally get between four and six hours of sleep a night and though they do not realize it, their performance is severely affected by this.
Sleep disorders and health issues can cause fatigue. Insomnia, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome are some forms of sleep disorders that are common in truck drivers. Health issues such as back pain or heart burn can also affect someone’s ability to get continuous rest and affect their ability to perform their jobs as a result.
Truckers are under a lot of pressure to travel farther distances faster and as a result, they are more likely to be driving while fatigued. As a result, they put at risk the lives of everyone else on the road. In a crash between a truck and a car, the motorist is more likely to become injured seriously and can face overwhelming medical expenses as a result. Truck accident victims may want to consult an experienced attorney for guidance on how to get compensation for their injuries.
