Trucker fatigue is a term used to describe a truck driver’s sleepy state behind the wheel. Unlike other drivers, truckers are paid to drive long distances. If they don’t get their shipment in on time, their jobs could be at stake—so they keep driving, regardless of how tired they feel.
Trucker fatigue is a major cause of Georgia truck crash injury. Studies have shown that fatigue can impair a trucker’s abilities even more than driving drunk, since drunk drivers are often more alert than tired drivers. The difference between an alert driver and an exhausted one could be only one second of response time—a major difference when a driver is hauling tons of cargo behind him.
Many states place limitations on the amount of hours truckers can drive consecutively. But if a truck driver falls behind schedule due to traffic or bad weather, they may skip a required rest break to make up for lost time. While these drivers think they are capable of driving an extra 100 miles, they could easily be in the early stages of exhaustion, suffering slowed response times and dulled reflexes.
If someone you love has been injured in a Georgia truck accident due to trucker fatigue, the advice of an experienced Atlanta truck accident attorney can get you the compensation you deserve. To learn more, order our FREE book, 10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Georgia Wreck Case, or call Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 for a free consultation.