In order to reduce the possibility of driver fatigue, new regulations have been implemented on commercial truck drivers’ hours of service. Because of these new regulations, drivers are not allowed to drive more than 11 hours following a 10-hour break. The driver cannot be on duty more than 14 hours following that same 10-hour break, even if that entire time doesn’t involve driving. These new regulations have been put into place in an effort to keep drivers fresh and alert.
A Driver Fatigue and Alertness Study in 2006 found that fatigue leads to slower information processing and decision making, longer reaction time to critical events, decreased motivation to sustain performance and a decrease in alertness to danger.
When a driver with fatigue is behind the wheel of a tractor trailer, he is putting others on the road at risk for injury or death. Researchers have found that driving while drowsy increases an individual’s crash risk by four to six times.
Unfortunately, many truck companies do not have procedures in place that will reduce the likelihood of driver fatigue and prevent violations of the Federal on-duty hour regulations. Tragically this sometimes results in someone being seriously injured or killed.
Benny Agosto, Jr. is a partner at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner in Houston, Texas. For over 65 years, Abraham Watkins has successfully represented injured people and families who fall victim to catastrophes. Our attorneys have the knowledge, experience and resources necessary to obtain just compensation their clients. For more information, please contact the office of Benny Agosto, Jr. at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, by letter at 800 Commerce Street, Houston, Texas 77002, or by phone at (713) 222-7211.