Each and every day, major trucking companies send fleets of semi-trucks and tractor-trailer trucks to deliver goods across the nation. While residents in Montana and elsewhere rely on the goods these vehicles deliver, these large trucks pose many risks. These risks and dangers are heightened when the drivers that control them are not fully alert behind the wheel due to long shifts, lack of breaks, and fatigue.
How is of truck driver fatigue combated? Because truck driver fatigue has been a growing issue on roadways across America, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has passed regulations that control the number of hours a truck driver is allowed to operate a truck. Additionally, they regulate the number of service hours a week and how frequently truck drivers must take break.
The goal of these regulations is to reduce truck driver fatigue. However, these attempts do not always work. According to statistics, roughly 4,000 people die each year in crashes caused by trucker fatigue. Since many trucking companies implement systems of compensation in order to encourage faster travel and more hours of consecutive operation, driver fatigue remains a problem. It is also noted that, despite current regulations, trucking companies continue to set unrealistic schedules and expectations, which essentially promotes federal trucking regulation violations and causes driver fatigue.
If a negligent trucker caused you harm in a truck accident, it is important to understand your legal rights, as compensation may be available to assist you with your damages. Proving trucker negligence is no easy feat, though, which is why many truck accident victims turn to experienced legal professionals for help.