Truck drivers are often asked to drive hundreds of miles per day on New Mexico roads that they may not be familiar with. Furthermore, they may be asked to drive during inclement weather, which can be mentally draining. Therefore, it isn’t uncommon for commercial vehicle operators to battle fatigue while on the job. Unfortunately, fatigue can increase a person’s risk of getting into a crash.
It may be difficult to stay focused
It can be difficult to remain adequately alert after driving for several hours in a row. Although commercial truckers are required to spend a certain amount of time each day resting, it can be tough to sleep while working irregular hours. It can also be hard for an individual to sleep well when he or she has a bad back, achy knees or other health problems. When a person doesn’t get enough sleep, it can sabotage his or her brain’s ability to repair itself. Ultimately, a fatigued individual will likely struggle to process information or make decisions in a timely manner.
Truck drivers may make decisions in a hasty manner
In some cases, a lack of sleep may cause drivers to make decisions without thinking about the consequences of their actions. For instance, they may make lane changes without checking their mirrors or using their turn signals. They may also be more likely to try to go through an intersection just as a traffic light is changing from yellow to red. While this isn’t necessarily illegal, it isn’t a responsible thing for a motorist to do, and it could increase the risk of a serious truck accident taking place. Occupants of other vehicles who have been harmed as a result of this type of truck driver negligence might want to have an attorney’s assistance in seeking compensation for their losses.
