During the holidays, an ever-increasing number of Americans turn into last-minute shoppers who are trying to complete their to-do lists. Others, meanwhile, choose delivery services through eCommerce and shops online. This puts a tremendous number of trucks on Lexington roadways delivering presents and deliveries. A higher number of trucks and regular car drivers traveling during the holidays creates a recipe for disaster.
Drowsy and Fatigued Truck Drivers on Our Roads
A large number of commercial motor vehicles delivering Christmas and New Year’s Eve goods and presents to stores and customers equals an increased likelihood of truck accidents. Although federal laws impose strict regulations on trucking companies and drivers of commercial motor vehicles, the extreme and, often, unrealistic demands of the holiday season are too colossal to ignore (unless a delivery or trucking company is willing to lose potential profits). Unfortunately, trucking companies routinely push their drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines just to complete as many deliveries as possible in the shortest amount of time. As a result, thousands of truck drivers on our roadways are fatigued, overworked, and exhausted. That also means that truckers have to rely on stimulants to stay awake or drive at night. Unfortunately, fatigued and drowsy driving is a serious problem because it impacts a trucker’s:
- Alertness
- Reaction times
- Judgment
- The ability to stay focused
- Decision-making abilities
Drowsy and fatigued truck drivers are one of the reasons why we see more truck crashes in December than any other month.
Dangerous Behaviors by Truck Drivers
Drowsiness and fatigue are not the only contributory factors in crashes involving tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and semi-trucks. The following dangerous and illegal behaviors also increase the likelihood of truck collisions:
- Driving above the speed limit
- Tailgating
- Illegal lane changes
- Improper left or right turns
- Reckless driving
- Running red lights
When a trucker is violating traffic laws in Lexington or elsewhere in Kentucky, more often than not, he or she is pushed past the point of safe driving by an employer. The likelihood of those traffic law violations increases during the holiday season because companies want to maximize their profits.
Federal Regulations for Trucking Companies
If you suffered a head injury, fractured bones, back injury, or another type of injury, the trucker might not be the only party to hold accountable for your personal injury. Federal regulations require trucking companies to:
- Hire experienced and qualified truckers
- Train their drivers
- Maintain vehicles in good condition
- Supervise drivers to ensure that they adhere to federal rules, including Hours of Service regulations
- Ensure that cargo is properly loaded and secured
A vast percentage of truck crashes occur because trucking companies in Kentucky fail to follow these federal regulations. When this happens, the victims of truck collisions are entitled to compensation from the trucking companies. However, you may need a Lexington truck accident attorney to investigate your case and hold responsible parties at fault. Contact Roberts Law Office for a consultation. Call at (859) 231-0202.