Despite Federal Laws, Driver Fatigue Still a Dangerous Cause of Many Florida Truck Accidents

Each year, over 155,000 people are hurt or seriously injured in a car accident involving a large truck. The most common contributing factor to these accidents is driver fatigue, or drowsiness from too many hours spent on the road.

Drowsy driving is dangerous for the operator of any vehicle, but when the driver is behind the wheel of a large commercial truck, the potential for injury and death multiplies. Studies show that driver fatigue is a factor in 40% of all trucking accidents, making it a leading cause of Florida truck accidents.

Commercial trucks have limited ability to swerve or make quick stops. This combined with a drowsy driver's slowed reaction time and poor cognitive function creates an immense safety threat to the driver and others on the road.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the commercial trucking industry, specifically to avoid drowsy driving. Current federal laws mandate specific rules regarding the operation of vehicles including:

• Truck drivers may not drive more than eleven consecutive hours within a 14-hour period.
• Truck drivers must take 10 hours off-duty after every 14-hour period behind the wheel.
• Truck drivers may not spend more than 60 hours on-duty within a 7-day period.
• A new weekly period cannot begin until a driver spends at least 34 hours off-duty.

Unfortunately, Florida truck accidents caused by fatigued drivers are still a huge issue. Greedy and negligent operators choose to disregard these regulations every day, leaving them responsible for thousands of injuries and deaths each year.

If a negligent commercial truck driver has hurt you or a loved one, don't hesitate to get help immediately. Contact a Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorney at Chalik and Chalik to learn more about filing legal action against responsible parties. Call us for a free initial consultation at (888) 539-5297.