A lot of research is done on the causes and impact of fatigue on driver safety. However, it’s difficult to say how many fatal Texas truck accidents are due to truck driver fatigue. Truckers spend many hours on the road, and even if they get enough sleep, the monotony of the roadway and the sound of the engine could cause sleepiness.
However, fatigued driving is most frequently caused by insufficient sleep. Other causes or conditions that could exacerbate the danger include medications, shift work, alcohol and sleep disorders that are left untreated. Truck drivers can take steps to avoid fatigued driving, starting with sleeping for at least seven hours per night. Those with heavy workloads can discuss alternative schedules with their employers.
Medications for colds or flu, allergies and other illnesses can cause drowsiness, and it is crucial for truck drivers to learn about the possible side effects of medicines before taking it while driving. Sometimes it is the combination of different drugs that creates the danger. Staying healthy can prevent fatigue, and this means following a healthy diet and getting sufficient exercise. While coffee, loud music and opening the windows can make a driver more alert, the effect typically wears off soon because only rest can remove fatigue.
Rather than risking their own lives and the lives of other road users, truckers on Texas roads are advised to pull off the roadway in a safe place. Even a short nap can prevent an accident caused by truck driver fatigue, and it might also avoid costly lawsuits. Victims of accidents that are caused by fatigued drivers are entitled to pursue financial relief through the civil justice system, and an experienced personal injury attorney can provide the necessary support and guidance to navigate the legal proceedings.