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A truck driver was killed in an accident that happened near Robinson, Texas. The truck was traveling south on FM 434 when it left the road. The truck overturned near Flying Heart Road, and the driver was killed. The accident happened early in the morning, and the police report that there were no other vehicles involved in the crash. The truck is owned by Western Star. Officials say it appears that fatigue may have caused the crash.
Truck drivers are limited by law to the number of hours they may drive in a row and the required hours of rest between shifts. Truck driver fatigue continues to be a concern for 18-wheelers on our roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver fatigue is estimated to be a major factor in about 40% of all truck accidents.
It is easy to see how fatigue can affect truck drivers. They often drive for long distances, often during dark hours, making the drive boring. The driver may not have had enough sleep before starting the trip. Truck drivers often get paid by the trip, so they are encouraged to drive for longer periods of time than is safe.
Following a crash such as this one, an investigation is conducted to determine the cause of the accident. The driver’s log and record will be reviewed to discover whether he or she was driving for too long a period of time. Attorneys will also look to see if the trucking company was negligent in any way.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides commercial motor vehicle driving tips to prevent driver fatigue. They state that about 13% of truck drivers involved in crashes were fatigued at the time of the accident. They offer six driver tips:
According to the FMCSA, the research found that being awake for over 18 hours at a time could impair you, so it is equivalent to a BAC of 0.08%, or being legally intoxicated.
Other drivers need to use caution when driving near 18-wheelers. If you notice a truck traveling too fast or too slow, stay out of its way. When you see a truck driving erratically, report the incident to the police immediately. The police will locate the truck and determine whether the driver is fit to drive.
If you have been hurt in an accident with a truck, you may be owed compensation for your damages. You could be owed money for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact experienced trucking accident attorneys for legal help with your case. Call (281) 893-0760!
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Did Truck Driver Fatigue Cause My Accident?
What You Need To Know About Truck Driver Fatigue
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