A number of tractor trailers traveling throughout Maryland and across the country navigate the roadways on a daily basis. These massive vehicles require well-trained and qualified truckers to operate them safely alongside other motor vehicles on the road. With a shortage of experienced truck drivers and an increase in freight needing to be distributed throughout the country, truck driver fatigue has become an issue. At Wilson & Parlett, we know that when negligent truckers drive drowsy it puts countless motorists at risk of being involved in an accident.
In some cases, trucking companies may encourage truck drivers to spend more time behind the wheel despite regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Hours of Service regulations limit the number of time truckers can spend driving during any given period. Furthermore, truckers are required to take frequent breaks and rest throughout their driving time.
Despite these regulations, truck drivers are under pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines and deliver more freight. More time spent on the road means a bigger paycheck for truckers, as they get paid for the distance they drive. Unfortunately, when truckers make the decision to spend more time driving, they can inadvertently cause a catastrophic tractor trailer accident.
Drowsy truckers may nod off during their drive and could miss critical safety alarms and other cues that an accident is going to occur. As a result, they may not notice slowing traffic, pedestrian crosswalks, traffic signals and other hazards in the road.
To find out more about the dangers of negligent truckers, visit our page on truck accidents.