If you’ve ever shared the highway with a Texas truck driver, you know that driving skill is an integral part of this profession. Truck drivers must also take steps prevent fatigue from setting in, which in some cases can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. TruckingInfo.com highlights the dangers of driving while fatigued, while also offering insight into how truckers can prevent serious accident from occurring.
Hours of Service Regulations
According to regulations governing hours of service for truckers, 10-hour breaks are mandated between driving sessions (and 8 of these hours must be spent within a truck’s sleep quarters). However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that a driver will be well-rested once setting out. There are many different factors that go into getting a good night’s sleep, from the food you eat to how much physical activity you partake in. Accordingly, truckers must remain health conscious along with respecting prevailing industry regulations regarding breaks.
The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
While the pressure to make deadlines can be a huge motivator, the fact remains that drowsy driving is extremely dangerous. Sleepiness behind the wheel can diminish alertness, reduce hand-eye coordination, and may even result in a trucker falling asleep behind the wheel. Because this problem is so serious, trucking companies must also take steps to prevent fatigued driving in the first place. For instance, eye lid scanners may be one solution, which would sound an alarm in the event of drooping (at which point the driver could pull over). It’s also important for trucking companies to provide information on sleep management. If there is a pattern of behavior, a company should pull the driver aside to determine how to best proceed.