Drowsy Driving Increases Risks Of Truck Accidents In Harrisburg
Drowsy driving is a serious problem in the trucking industry. It is a common contributing factor in truck accidents in Harrisburg, which often have serious impacts on other motorists on the road. Our Harrisburg truck accident lawyer explains more about the problem and how to reduce the risks.
How Drowsy Driving Makes Harrisburg Truck Accident More Likely To Happen
The Capital Beltway encircles Harrisburg, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike is just a short drive away. Residents frequently travel these and other major roads surrounding the city and are accustomed to heavy truck traffic. When sharing the road with big rigs, it is important to be aware of the risks.
Drowsy driving is a serious problem among truck drivers and can make Harrisburg truck accidents more likely to happen. Truckers are generally susceptible to being excessively tired or even falling asleep behind the wheel due to constantly changing schedules and the long hours they spend on the road. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) warns that common impacts of lack of sleep that increase accident risks include:
- Watery eyes due to yawning and blurred vision;
- Lack of concentration and increased risk of distraction;
- Delayed reflexes, which can have dangerous impacts during heavy traffic or adverse road conditions;
- Lack of coordination, making it more difficult to perform the complex tasks required when operating a big rig.
Being tired and nodding off for even a second can make rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, and other types of truck accidents in Harrisburg more likely to occur.
How To Reduce Drowsy Driving Truck Accident Risks
Tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and other big rigs can stretch out up to 72 feet long and may weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When truck drivers are excessively fatigued, they are more likely to make mistakes behind the wheel that end up impacting nearby motorists.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving claims the lives of nearly 1,000 people each year. Considering how common it is in the trucking industry and the number of big rigs Harrisburg drivers encounter on local roads, it is important to take precautions to reduce the risks:
- Be aware that drowsy driving truck accidents in Harris often happen late at night or in the early morning hours;
- Avoid getting behind the wheel if you are tired or running on less than eight hours of sleep;
- Give truckers plenty of space on the road and avoid driving in blind spots surrounding the rig;
- Avoid cutting truckers off when passing or other sudden maneuvers.
If you notice a trucker driving erratically or are involved in any type of truck accident, notify law enforcement immediately.
Request A Consultation With Our Harrisburg Truck Accident Lawyer
Drowsy driving truck accidents in Harrisburg can leave motorists involved suffering serious injuries. Harrisburg truck accident lawyer Ira H. Weinstock, P.C. provides the professional legal representation needed to get compensation in a claim. To request a consultation, call or contact our office online today.
Sources:
i-83beltway.com/#:~:text=The%20Harrisburg%20Capital%20Beltway%20encircles,is%20a%20limited%2Daccess%20facility.
penndot.pa.gov/TravelInPA/Safety/TrafficSafetyAndDriverTopics/Pages/General-Driving-Safety.aspx
nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving
