Just like any job, sometimes driving a truck can be enjoyable, but at other times, it can be quite boring. Think about that cross-country road trip you took after you graduated college—it was a fun time, but driving those long stretches of road got exhausting and boring… and that was with a friend in the car. Now imagine doing that all the time, but with no friend in the passenger seat; that is the life of a truck driver.
After a while on the road, many truck drivers can become quite drowsy. With the pressure of arriving on-time, or even ahead of schedule, truck drivers may feel like they can't stop on the side of the road and take a nap if they're feeling tired. Here are some signs to watch out for if you're a truck driver, or a regular driver on the road who is concerned about a truck driver you're driving close to:
- Frequent yawning or blinking
- Head sagging
- Drifting in and out of the lane
- Slowing down speed without realizing it
- Eyes closing or getting blurry/out of focus
- Overall slow reaction time
Drowsy truck drivers are not just dangerous to themselves, but to the drivers and pedestrians around them as well. Falling asleep behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler could have serious, catastrophic consequences for many different people.
If you've been injured in a trucking collision that you suspect was caused by a drowsy truck driver, contact Girards Law Firm in Dallas for a free consultation at 888-897-2762.