Truck Drivers Receive Too Little Sleep
October 30, 2019
It is not uncommon for truck drivers to spend long hours behind the wheel, often with no breaks for sleep. As a result, a large percentage of truck drivers are drowsy, and some even report that they have fallen asleep while operating a large commercial truck. Due to the massive size and weight of the average truck, this can have devastating consequences if the truck driver causes an accident because of drowsy driving. Researchers found that truck drivers top of the list of American workers who do not get enough sleep. Researchers urge employers to identify strategies that can help workers address this problem and get more sleep.
In addition to drowsiness, the study found that sleep deprivation had an impact on the rising rates of chronic diseases in this county. According to the lead author of the study and professor of health services at Ball State in Muncie, Indiana, too little sleep can cause mild to severe physical and mental health issues, as well as injuries, loss of productivity, and premature mortality. The high rate of chronic diseases in this country is a major problem. It affects people of all ages and many of these health issues are related to inadequate sleep.
Impact of Drowsy Driving
When a truck driver does not get enough sleep, the driver is not the only person affected. Customers may not receive their cargo on time. More importantly, motorists in the vicinity are at risk of being seriously injured or killed in a truck accident if the truck driver dozes off or fails to maintain control of the vehicle due to drowsiness. It is the employer’s responsibility to promote healthy strategies for truck drivers who struggle with sleep problems.
There were several factors that contributed to the high rates of sleep deprivation among truck drivers. Truck drivers tend to work long hours, often driving through the night. They also have access to various types of technology and electronic devices, which are known to keep people awake at night. In addition, certain over-the-counter medications are known to keep people awake when they should be sleeping. Due to the sedentary nature of the work and tendency to eat fast food rather than healthier options, combined with a high level of stress and too little sleep, truck drivers can develop multiple chronic conditions.
It is important to raise awareness of this issue and take steps to diagnose, treat, and monitor sleep disorders. This will help ensure that truck drivers are getting enough sleep and reduce the risk of devastating truck accidents that are caused by drowsy driving.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Drowsy Driving
If you were seriously injured in a truck accident caused by drowsy driving, contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. These types of accidents are completely preventable if truck drivers avoid getting behind the wheel when they are fatigued. Our skilled legal team will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
