Driver fatigue is a big and often ignored road menace in St. Louis, Missouri. Being fatigued makes the reaction time of drivers slow; it also impairs their decision-making abilities and control of the vehicle, therefore escalating chances for accidents. In such a vibrant city as St. Louis where traffic jams are very common and people commute for long distances, driver fatigue is always around.
Statistics and Realities
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 100,000 reported collisions are influenced by drowsy driving each year which results in over 1,500 deaths and 71,000 injuries. The situation is not different in Missouri where the number of cases related to sleepy driving among truck drivers seems relatively high.
What Makes Drivers Fatigued?
Some factors contribute to exhaustion on the part of drivers:
- Lack of Sleep: Not enough sleep causes tiredness frequently. Ideally adults should sleep between 7-9 hours but most drivers get much less than this, especially truckers.
- Long Work Hours: Long periods of steering minus breaks can cause exhaustion.
- Monotonous Driving: Gaps in long highway drives can breed tedium leading to tiredness.
- Medical Conditions: Diseases like sleep apnea lead to low awareness level
- Medication: Drugs may make a driver sleepy while driving.
Truck Accident Lawyers
When a sleepy and tired driver is behind the wheels of a truck which is usually big and heavy and loaded, catastrophe will surely strike. Victims could suffer severe injuries. Medical expenses could mount. Recovery periods are unbearably long. The need for attorneys experienced in representing truck accident victims is undeniable.
Craig, Kelley, and Faultless LLC are legal experts who support persons affected by trucking accidents in St.Louis Missouri. They possess knowledge of complex cases including federal & state regulations, are skilled investigators, adept negotiators and excellent court representatives. In case the negotiations don’t work, they can obtain valuable data for the case, conduct discussions with insurance companies and advocate on behalf of their clients.
Image credit: Craig, Kelley, and Faultless LLC
Preventing Driver Fatigue
Preventing driver fatigue requires a combined effort from drivers, employers, and policymakers:
- For Drivers: Make sure to have enough sleep before long journeys, take regular rests, avoid driving in the dead of night or very early in the morning when drowsiness is at its peak, and remember what medications make you sleepy.
- For Employers: Implement and strictly enforce strict hour-of-service regulations; foster safety cultures; encourage reporting of fatigue without fear of retaliation to drivers.
- For Policymakers: Strengthen rules on working hours; enforce existing laws more strictly; run public awareness campaigns on tiredness-causing driving.
Rest to Save Lives
Driver fatigue still remains a major problem on St Louis’ roads leading to severe consequences. It can result in devastating injuries and fatalities, and damage to properties. Knowing these risks and taking preventive measures may be useful in curbing this danger.
For those affected by truck accidents, lawyers like Craig Kelley & Faultless LLC can help navigate through the legal maze and win sufficient compensation. One should remember that a well-rested driver is a safe driver and combating fatigue may save lives.
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