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Most people need seven hours of sleep every night in order to think clearly and function correctly the next day. While the amount of sleep every person needs varies from five hours to eight hours or more, the reality is that our bodies were made to sleep at night and function during the day. Unfortunately, many long-haul truck drivers operate large semis overnight and without adequate sleep.
When truckers drive long hours without taking adequate rest breaks, they may be at a sleep deficit and at risk of driving drowsy. Sadly, drowsy driving is major concern facing motorists across Florida and nationwide. In fact, recently there was a fatal truck crash that made national news due to a tired trucker who drove over the allowable hours of service limits and killed comedy writer James McNair.
Fatal Truck Accident Caused by Tired Trucker
James McNair, a passenger in a limo van along with Tracy Morgan and others, was in a vehicle traveling on the New Jersey Turnpike. According to investigators, a truck driver for Walmart plowed into the back of their vehicle—killing McNair and injuring Morgan and two other people. After a police investigation and the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the truck’s black box, it was determined that the truck driver was awake for over 24 hours prior to the wreck. This could have made him too drowsy to drive safely.
Because truck accidents can be serious and often deadly, it is important that truck drivers follow the hours of service rules so they don’t succumb to driving drowsy and causing a truck crash. If you believe you were a victim of a tired trucker, you should contact us via our online contact form or request a free copy of our book, What You Need to Know After a Florida Auto, Truck, or Bike Accident.
