San Antonio Legal Blog

Drivers in Texas and across the United States may feel a little groggy when spring daylight saving time begins as clocks spring forward. The sleepiness that many commuters feel as they head to work can lead to danger on the road.

Researchers from the University of Colorado, Boulder found that car accidents increase in the week after daylight saving time begins. Fatal accidents increase by 6% during this week, leading to an additional 28 deaths per year across the country. Additionally, researchers found that the farther west an individual lives in his or her time zone, the greater the likelihood of them being involved in a fatal accident.

Truck drivers in Texas probably know how the state only allows them to travel interstate if they are 21 or older. A bipartisan bill introduced in February 2019 and called the DRIVE-Safe Act may alter this. It proposes to let truckers aged 18 to 20 travel interstate after a probationary period where they complete 400 driving hours. At least 240 of those hours are to be accompanied with another CDL holder who is 21 or older.

In February 2020, the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety held a hearing about this bill and other trucking-related matters like hours-of-service regulations and the use of speed limiters. There was opposition to the bill from safety groups like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and the Truck Safety Coalition.

Drowsiness and driving a commercial motor vehicle, especially a big rig, do not go well together. However, truckers in Texas and across the U.S. have the ability to avoid drowsiness behind the wheel. The following six tips can help prevent major fatigue.

The first step is to ensure adequate sleep. A second tip is connected to this -- maintain a healthy, regular diet. Going to bed immediately after a heavy meal or, conversely, with an empty stomach will not make one well-rested. One can eat a light snack before bed to achieve better sleep. Once back on the road, drivers should try not to work during the "lulls" in the day. For example, the body is naturally more tired between midnight and 6 a.m.

Regardless of whether you work in the oil and gas business or another industrial workplace in San Antonio or other area in Texas, exposure to explosive and flammable materials will be one of the primary safety hazards. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, your employer is responsible for your health and safety on the job. However, if you prefer to play a role in your own welfare, you can learn how to deal with fire-related risks.

Fire prevention starts with an evaluation of the workplace and an assessment to identify potential fire hazards. The next step is to analyze the work areas to determine positions for placing fire extinguishers, machinery to monitor air quality, and other fire safety equipment. A thorough assessment can also identify the safest storage area for flammable liquids.