A great many truck accidents that occur in New Jersey and across the U.S. are the result of drowsy driving. Fatigue is a hazard that’s built into the trucking industry, so to speak, but this is not to say that truckers cannot avoid it. They can do so if they follow the tips below.
The first tip is to achieve a sufficient amount of sleep. Not only that, but truckers should also try to avoid driving during those periods when the body is naturally tired. They include the hours between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. and between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Second, truckers should eat healthy and eat regularly. Third, it’s best to avoid drowsiness-inducing medications. If they still feel drowsy after a long sleep, they may want to see a doctor; it could be a sleep disorder.
Truckers would do well to know what the symptoms of drowsiness are. They include blurred vision and continual yawning. When truckers find that they are becoming less alert, they should pull over for a nap. The ideal length is 45 minutes.
Naps are more restorative than any amount of coffee. In fact, drinking coffee is one of those “alertness tricks” that don’t really cure drowsiness. Smoking, rolling down the window and playing loud music are a few other examples of these tricks. Truckers shouldn’t expect any of them to cure fatigue.
When drowsiness is behind a truck collision, the injured party may have good grounds for a claim. The victim could be left recovering from catastrophic injuries, but they have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim against the trucking company. If they do, they may want a lawyer to assist with each step, including the gathering of evidence and the negotiating of a settlement. If successful, the claim might cover the victim’s medical bills, lost wages and more.