Truck Driver Fatigue Leads to Truck Accidents in Michigan

Most motorists know not to get behind the wheel of a car if they feel sleepy, because a tired driver can become a deadly driver. Inattentiveness, or drowsiness can contribute to car accidents. Although it is extremely important for drivers not to operate a vehicle if they are tired, it is even more critical for truck drivers not to drive sleepy.

The sheer size of a semi truck already carries a lot of force -- they weigh approximately 80,000 pounds. But a large truck coupled with a tired truck driver may lead to fatalities. Sleepy truck drivers working long hours are a growing concern. Sitting in one position for a long period of time can cause slow reactions due to the monotonous motion, and may cause drivers to drift into other lanes or fall asleep on the road, which can lead to truck crashes.

The FMCSA believes 15 percent of deadly truck accidents in Michigan and throughout the nation are caused by trucker fatigue. Truckers drive long hours in order to make more money and to meet tight deadlines. Even though the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations regarding the amount of time truckers can drive and how long their breaks should be before they return to the road, some employers contribute to this problem by giving drivers 80-to 100-hour workweeks. With such intense work schedules, it is no wonder that truck drivers are sleep-deprived. Unfortunately, long hours cause driver fatigue, which leads to 750 deaths and 20,000 injuries each year, according to the FMCSA.

Fatigue plays a significant role in Michigan truck accidents. Research shows that drivers on the road for twelve hours are definitely affected by lack of sleep. According to FMCSA, the risk of a truck crash doubles between the eighth and tenth hour. If a trucker drives for over ten consecutive hours, the risk of an accident doubles again between the tenth and eleventh hour due to fatigue. Fatigue is caused by three factors:

• Psychological factors - fear, anger, and frustration
• Physiological issues - lack of sleep, the use of drugs and alcohol, poor eating habits
• Physical environment - conditions such as temperature

If you or someone you love has been in a truck accident in Michigan, contact a Michigan truck accident lawyer who can research the trucker's driving time. Contact the law firm of Keller & Keller at (269) 983-7333 for a free legal evaluation.



We represent injured victims in the cities of Saint Joseph, South Bend, Battle Creek, Fort Wayne, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Elkhart, Grand Rapids, Niles, Granger, Benton Harbor, Benton Charter Township, Benton Heights, South Haven, Coloma, Hagar Township, Buchanan, and Buchanan Township and throughout Michigan.

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