Truck drivers may feel pressure to drive while tired because stopping to rest may result in reduced productivity. In turn, reduced productivity may result in lower pay or possible termination. However, fatigued commercial operators may be at a higher risk of causing wrecks while traveling on Maryland roads or highways.
How does fatigue negatively impact a motorist?
A tired motorist may have trouble remaining in control of his or her vehicle, which may result in driving too fast for road conditions or failing to stay in a single lane. It could also mean that a driver fails to recognize when traffic is slowing down or when traffic patterns are changing. Failing to adapt to these changes might increase the severity of a truck accident because a driver won’t be able to stop or slow down prior to a collision.
Tired driving is similar to drunk driving
Research has shown that driving after staying awake for 24 consecutive hours is similar to driving with a blood alcohol content of .10%. The legal blood alcohol limit in most states is .08% while the legal blood alcohol limit for commercial drivers is .05%. It is worth noting that a commercial motorist is unlikely to be charged with DUI or face the same consequences unless alcohol is actually detected in that person’s system.
If you are injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, the cost to repair property and other damages. Witness statements, video footage or other evidence may be used to establish that a driver was too tired to operate his or her vehicle. As a general rule, driving while fatigued is considered a negligent act as a reasonable person would likely know the potential dangers of doing so.