Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers: Survey for Trucker Fatigue

Posted on September 16, 2015

Truck driver fatigue is a major factor in fatal trucking accidents. To combat this issue, the federal government has enacted strict laws that require drivers to take minimum rest breaks before and during their shifts. However, studies reveal safe and accessible parking areas are in short supply, potentially causing truck drivers to continue driving despite being too tired.

Officials are calling the shortage of truck parking a national safety concern for both drivers and other drivers on the road. In 2012, Congress passed a bill that would provide federal funding for the construction and restoration of safe parking lots for truck drivers to rest. The law was created in response to the tragic death of a tired truck driver who, after failing to find a rest station, pulled into an abandoned roadside gas station to take a nap. While he slept, thieves attacked and murdered him.

As part of the bill, the Federal Highway Administration conducted a nationwide survey of state highway and safety officials, truck drivers and other segments of the trucking industry. The goal of the survey was to evaluate states’ ability to provide adequate truck parking for drivers to get the rest they need.

The results of the survey point to the magnitude of the problem. More than 75% of truck drivers surveyed in the study reported they regularly had trouble finding a safe area to park and rest. The problem appears to be even worse at night, with 90% reporting having trouble finding safe parking. Some portions of the country were identified as more problematic than others, including the mid-Atlantic region and the areas along Interstate 95 and Interstate 81. The survey listed the ten states with the lowest number of available parking spaces, in which Maryland was included on the list.

The safety of our highways is dependent on truck drivers getting the rest they need. By increasing awareness of the issue of truck parking shortages, there is hope that changes can be made that will save lives by making it easier for fatigued truck drivers to do the right thing.

Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Those Injured in Accidents Caused by Truck Driver Fatigue

Accidents caused by tired truck drivers often result in catastrophic injuries, especially for the occupants of smaller passenger vehicles. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Our team of highly qualified Maryland truck accident lawyers have the experience and the resources needed to get you the compensation you deserve and need to help pay for medical bills, lost wages and more. Call LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at 800-547-4LAW (4529) today to schedule your free consultation or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims and their families throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood and Elkridge.