Truck Driver Fatigue is a severe problem for truck drivers and must be avoided at all costs. The consequences of not resting as a driver can leave you dead on the side of the road or in jail. Most truck drivers have had to take a day off to recover by taking a short nap. The article discusses some possible consequences of sleep deprivation for truck drivers.

1. Reduced Reaction Speed

Another problem caused by fatigue is the inability to react fast enough for cases such as braking or steering due to the brain’s slow reflexes, which occur after sleep deprivation. This is a severe problem if you are in a situation where someone approaches the truck or animal crossing your lane. Drivers must stay alert throughout the day, even driving for several hours on an empty stretch of highway.

2. Diminished Visibility

Another effect of drowsiness is blurred vision, which means your ability to see what is outside your vehicle is significantly impaired. If you continue to drive while tired, you could have a severe accident because of the inability to detect obstacles such as pedestrians, animals, or other vehicles in time.

Every driver needs to understand some of the most crucial things to do after a semi-truck accident. These actions are vital during your recovery and play a significant role while pursuing a legal procedure.

Some of these actions include:

• Assessing your surroundings

• Inform other road users

• Call for help

• Seek medical attention

• Contacting a truck accident lawyer

3. Poor Decision-Making

Good decision-making is a critical aspect of safe driving. However, when you drive while severely sleep-deprived, you tend to take dangerous risks. You may engage in risky maneuvers such as tailgating or changing lanes without signaling. Irresponsible behavior combined with bad weather could result in severe conditions such as an accident or injury.

4. Tunnel Vision

If you are driving a big-rig truck, you may have experienced the feeling of a narrowing in your vision. Also known as tunnel vision, it makes it difficult to see far, and you can only view what is happening on the road. For example, if you cannot see the pedestrian walking beside the road or entering it, then you must take action to avoid injuring them.

5. Death

The fatigue caused by lack of sleep or drowsiness, combined with long hours of driving, is a severe problem for truck drivers. It could result in a driver falling asleep without knowing when on the road or even dying behind the wheel. It is estimated that 13% of fatal accidents result yearly from fatigue-related truck driving.

6. You will Lose Your Job

If you’re caught by an officer operating under the influence of sleepiness, you risk losing your job. You may also be found guilty of serious offenses such as careless driving and face a prison sentence. If you are caught by police falling asleep on the wheel, you could lose your license for one year or more.

7. You Might Pay a Higher Insurance Premium

Insurance companies will increase your policy’s premium when they learn you are guilty of falling asleep while driving. As a result, you will have to pay more money and keep an eye on receiving discounts on premiums later.

Truck drivers are often victims of sleep deprivation due to long hours on the road and inadequate rest stops. A truck accident lawyer offers substantial assistance if you get in a severe crash with another driver as a result of driver fatigue.

In severe fatigue-related truck accidents resulting in injuries or death, it is advisable to hire an attorney specializing in this area who can help you win substantial compensation from insurance companies. A good law firm will fight to get you all the benefits you deserve as soon as possible.