The Facts About Trucker Fatigue

Being a driver for the trucking industry, you spend most of your time on the road. There have been numerous studies over the years to determine whether or not fatigue played a major issue in trucker related accidents. Accidents are a huge issue that costs many lives and its important to look at the facts to work toward lowering those statistics.

While fatigue may be a contributing factor, it is hard to isolate. "We have often been told by self-appointed 'experts' that fatigue is the leading cause of truck-involved crashes, and this report clearly demonstrates that is not true," said Bill Graves, ATA president & CEO. "While every crash on our nation's highways is a tragedy - particularly those that involve serious injuries or fatalities - the first step toward reducing crashes is being honest about what causes them."

By law you are permitted to drive up to 11 hours before having to take a rest. Studies show a steep incline in fatigue after the 11th hour. The report stated that 30-40% of all fatal trucking accidents were due to fatigue. That number is skewed due to the fact that there was always more than one contributing factor. Some other contributing factors are unsafe speeds, aggressive driving, and the use of drugs/alcohol. All of these areas should be addressed and improved on in order to promote safe driving and delivery.

Keep on Truckin'

-Tiffany