When you get ready to drive your car, you take certain steps to ensure your own safety. You fasten your seat belt, look in the rearview mirror before backing out of the driveway, and make sure that you follow all of the rules of the road to avoid an accident. Unfortunately, not everyone takes the same precautions. In 2015, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported 415,000 accidents that involved large trucks. One of the most dangerous habits of truck drivers is driving while fatigued - especially when that driver is behind the wheel of a fully-loaded semi-truck at highway speeds. Due to their size and weight, these vehicles can cause catastrophic damage when colliding with a passenger car.
The Dangers of Fatigued Truck Driving
Any time a driver operates a vehicle when fatigued, that driver creates a perilous situation for every other person on the road. In fact, studies show that driving when you are tired is similar to drunk driving. Although strict regulations limit the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can legally drive, some truckers ignore these rules in favor of delivering cargo as fast as possible.
Signs that a Driver is Fatigued
Every driver should recognize the signs of a fatigued truck driver in order to avoid a serious collision whenever possible. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
- Swerving or drifting in and out of their lane
- Changing lanes without a turn signal
- Discrepancies in speed - slowing down and speeding up periodically, for no apparent reason
- Driving at night without lights on
- Ignoring the rules of traffic
- Driving aggressively
If you believe that a truck driver is fatigued, it is important to stay out of their way. If possible, exit or pull off to the side of the road. Then call the local traffic hotline or the police to report the truck driver’s erratic driving. By making this call, you could potentially prevent an accident from happening. If you are unable to exit the road, slow down and stay well behind the truck driving erratically, where you can see it and avoid an accident.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Connecticut Today
If you have been in an accident that involved a large truck, the damages can be devastating. Medical bills and lost wages for time off work only add to the stress of dealing with a serious injury. The lawyers at Leighton, Katz, and Drapeau have been representing injured accident victims in Connecticut for many years. We have the experience, knowledge, and dedication to help you work through this challenging time. We can help you understand your legal rights after an accident, and will fight for your right to just compensation. Contact us today online or call us at 860-875-7000 to set up a free consultation.
