Driver fatigue is a contributing factor in a large portion of truck accidents. Hours of service (HOS) regulations were created to prevent driver fatigue and the resulting accidents, but so far they have not been successful. New HOS regulations are scheduled to go into effect in July, 2013, but are facing just as much controversy as current and older regulations. If you have been injured in a truck accident in Ohio, Columbus truck accident attorney Anthony Castelli can help.
Causes of Truck Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is often the result of a combination of working conditions and other issues. The number of hours a truck driver spends on the road is just a small part of the equation. Common causes of driver fatigue include:
- Unrealistic schedules
- Night driving
- Monotonous driving
- Hazardous weather conditions
- Hazardous traffic conditions
- Weather conditions which cause poor visibility
- Hot weather
- Lack of truck parking
- Noisy or unsafe parking areas where drivers cannot truly rest
- Trying to sleep during the day
- Irregular schedules
- Sleep disorders
- Physical labor, such as loading and unloading trucks, when not driving
- Poor eating habits
- Health problems
- Stress
- Depression
- Problems at home
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident in Ohio as a result of driver fatigue, please call Columbus truck accident attorney Anthony Castelli at 1-800-447-6549 or submit an online questionnaire. Your initial consultation with our truck accident attorney is free.