This is the situation many drivers of tractor trailers face. It seems like common sense to just get more rest, but the hectic schedules of truck drivers and sometimes additional pressure from trucking companies can have truck drivers working longer hours than they should be, with sometimes disastrous consequences. According to Road Safe America, lack of sleep greatly increases the chances of a semi truck accident.

How Driver Fatigue Affects Truck Accidents

It is obvious that driver fatigue is a major issue no matter what kind of vehicle you drive. However, truck drivers are often operating vehicles that weigh up to 80,000 pounds. This means that one wrong move can cause a truck accident that involves several cars, and driver fatigue is commonly the catalyst behind such a truck accident.

According to smartmotorist.com, just 80 minutes without a break can make a driver dangerous to others on the road. According to the National Transportation Safety Board:

• About half of single-vehicle accidents involving trucks were at least partially caused by driver fatigue, according to a NTSB study
• In about 18% of those cases, the truck driver admitted that he or she fell asleep at the wheel
• Fatal car and truck accidents related to driver fatigue make up about 30% of total accidents
•  In 2007, about 7% of motor vehicle accidents involved fatigue, and about 18% of accidents with fatalities were caused by fatigue

Clearly, decreasing the rates of driver fatigue will make a big difference on the total number of both truck accident fatalities and injuries on the road. Attempting to stop drivers of tractor trailers and passenger car drivers from driving while tired is the first step to making a difference.

If you’ve already been injured in a Virginia truck accident and you think driver fatigue was to blame, you should consult with a Virginia personal injury attorney that specializes in Virginia tractor trailer accidents. It is important that the accident lawyer you choose to represent you has handled cases like yours and understands tractor trailer accidents.