There are many reasons why residents of West Virginia witness motor vehicle accidents involving trucks on the roads. One of the most common causes is drowsy driving. Drowsy driving occurs when a driver does not get enough sleep and his or her ability to operate a vehicle safely is impaired.
How does drowsy driving lead to truck accidents?
When a driver does not get enough sleep, his or her ability to operate a vehicle safely gets impaired. This can lead to accidents because the driver may fall asleep at the wheel, have slower reaction times, and make poor decisions. For instance, a drowsy driver may not see a car in his or her blind spot and may sideswipe it when changing lanes.
How do truck drivers get there in the first place?
Most truck drivers are paid by the mile, so they have an incentive to drive long hours without taking breaks. This can lead to fatigue, which can impair their ability to drive safely. In addition, many truck drivers take medications that can cause drowsiness. For instance, some truck drivers take over-the-counter cold medicines that contain antihistamines, which can make them drowsy and more likely to cause motor vehicle accidents.
What is the way forward?
The best way to stop drowsy driving is for truck drivers to get enough sleep. This means that they should not drive for more than eight hours at a time and should take breaks every two hours. In addition, truck drivers should avoid taking medications that can cause drowsy driving. If you are a truck driver, make sure to get enough sleep and take breaks so that you can arrive at your destination safely.
As a road user, it is important to be aware of the dangers of drowsy driving. When you are on the road, be sure to give truck drivers plenty of space and avoid driving next to them if possible.
If you have been involved in an accident with a truck, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Make sure you get the contact information of the truck driver, including their name, phone number and insurance information, take pictures of the accident scene and get the contact information of any witnesses. This information may be important if you decide to file a claim for damages.
