When Georgia truck drivers get tired behind the wheel, they pose a great risk of danger to themselves, other drivers and pedestrians. Because of the massive size and weight of commercial semi trucks, it’s very important for truck drivers to be well-rested and alert on the road. If not, truck drivers can face a number of dangers.
Falling asleep at the wheel
Irregular hours, night driving and lengthy trips are all factors that increase the likelihood of truck drivers falling asleep at the wheel and causing truck accidents. Many truck drivers have admitted to falling asleep while driving, which is scary and dangerous since it’s close to impossible for a sleepy person to properly control a massive semi truck. Countless fatalities occur yearly as a result of drivers falling asleep at the wheel, and the number of fatalities is often higher when the driver of a huge semi truck is the cause.
Slow reaction time
Having sharp reflexes and reacting quickly to road hazards are essential skills for truck drivers. It takes a semi truck longer to stop, make turns and change lanes than a smaller vehicle, so truck drivers must always be ready to react to road situations that might require them to make an unplanned move safely. A sleepy truck driver will make poor decisions on the road when they don’t have time to react, such as quickly swerving away from traffic, slamming on brakes or making sudden lane changes.
Many truck drivers attempt to fight feelings of fatigue in order to meet unrealistic deadlines and get paid. This is a dangerous practice that can be fatal. Truck companies and drivers must take steps to help reduce instances of driver fatigue.