Why Are Truckers Still Falling Asleep at the Wheel After the Laws Have Changed?

Truck drivers are in danger of falling asleep while driving because they drive long hours without taking adequate rest breaks and time to sleep. This is why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration set restrictions on truck drivers’ time at the wheel—reducing their allowable driving time from 82 hours per week to no more than 70 hours per week and not working more than 14 hours in a 24-hour period.

Even though stricter laws are in place, there are still some truck drivers who don’t think these laws should exist, which is why they ignore them. Unfortunately, drowsy driving is their reality and a very real danger for others sharing the road with these 80,000 pound semi trucks.

Some of the reasons why drowsy driving truck crashes in Florida and nationwide are still occurring are due to the following:

• Truckers aren’t taking the proper rest breaks mandated by law
• Truck drivers are pushing themselves too hard to reach their next destination
• Truckers drive more to make up time from a maintenance issue, weather delay, or other issue
• Truckers are incentivized by money—the more miles they drive the more money they get
• Truck drivers who take drugs, or even prescription drugs, can be at an increased risk for driving drowsy
• Truckers often suffer from sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder, that deprives them of necessary sleep

There are many reasons why truck drivers are at risk for falling asleep on the road, and they are more likely to cause a drowsy driving wreck, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you were injured in a Florida trucking accident, or your loved one was killed by a semi truck, you need to find out about your rights and how to hold the negligent truck driver responsible. Call the Law Offices of David Benenfeld at (561) 960-5515(561) 960-5515 for a complimentary consultation today.