Fatigued driving can be as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol. Tired drivers may be at a higher risk of causing serious accidents while traveling on Massachusetts roads and highways because they may have a harder time focusing on road conditions. There are several reasons why operating a truck while drowsy can be a safety hazard.
Drivers might fall asleep
Commercial drivers may think that drinking soda or coffee will keep them awake until the end of their current run. However, the truth is that the only way to overcome fatigue is to sleep for at least an hour. At some point, your body will override your desire to stay awake, and this can happen with little or no warning. In some cases, you will actually fall asleep for several seconds at a time without knowing it. This is called microsleeping and can make it harder to react to changing road conditions in a timely manner.
A driver’s senses may be dulled
Even if a commercial operator is able to stay awake, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t a chance that something will go wrong. This is because tired drivers tend to have trouble processing information or making decisions in a timely manner. Therefore, they may be more likely to cause a truck crash while traveling at top speed or make a lane change without using a signal in an effort to not miss an exit.
A tired driver’s priority is to get home
When you’re tired, your top priority is to get home so that you can fall asleep as quickly as possible. The same is generally true for commercial drivers who have been driving for several hours straight. Ultimately, they may speed or be more aggressive in an effort to reduce the duration of their trip.
If you are hurt in a truck crash caused by another party, you may be entitled to compensation. A financial award may enable you to pay medical bills, repair your vehicle or pay other costs incurred as a result of the defendant’s negligent behavior.