Driver fatigue is one of the most common reasons that truck drivers are involved in accidents. Accordingly, the government has developed hours of service regulations that are designed to decrease truck driver fatigue and increase the safety on American roadways.
All drivers of commercial motor vehicles are required to abide by the hours of service regulations unless they meet one of the specific exceptions. Generally, a commercial motor vehicle operator can work for 14 consecutive hours after 10 consecutive hours of rest. 11 of those 14 hours of work may include driving. Additionally, drivers may only work a certain number of hours per week (or 8 day cycle).
Despite these legal requirements, truck accidents still occur because of driver fatigue. Accidents that happen because of driver fatigue require us to consider whether they are happening because drivers are not complying with the regulations or because the regulations do not adequately protect drivers from fatigue.
Perhaps the number of truck driver fatigue accidents could be lowered if companies imposed shorter work days for truck drivers or drivers had less financial incentive to push themselves to work when they were tired. Maybe it is time for the federal regulations to be revised to encourage companies and drivers to take adequate safety precautions.
While any changes that would make Illinois roadways safer are welcomed, change takes time and, unfortunately, truck accidents are likely to continue to occur. If you, or a loved one, have been hurt in a truck accident then please contact an Illinois truck accident attorney today to discuss your rights.