Like drug or alcohol impairment, fatigue slows a driver’s reaction times, diminishes attention, and impacts decision-making—key skills for handling large trucks on busy roadways. The consequences of fatigued driving can be devastating, often leading to catastrophic accidents due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.
At Ernst Law Group, our California truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injured victims understand their rights and seek justice when negligence plays a role. Keep reading to explore the effects of truck driver fatigue, its legal implications, and how California law holds trucking companies and drivers accountable for unsafe practices.
How fatigue impairs driving
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) compares the effects of fatigue to alcohol impairment, stating that being awake for 18 hours is equivalent to having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%, and 24 hours is equivalent to a BAC of 0.10%, which is above the legal limit for driving.
Impairments caused by truck driver fatigue include:
- Slowed reaction times: Fatigue reduces a driver’s ability to respond quickly to sudden changes, such as traffic slowdowns or road obstacles.
- Decreased attention: Drowsy drivers are less able to maintain focus, making it harder to stay in their lane or monitor surrounding vehicles.
- Poor decision-making: Fatigue affects judgment, increasing the likelihood of risky behavior, such as tailgating, speeding, or missing critical road signs.
- Microsleep episodes: Fatigued drivers may briefly fall asleep for a few seconds without realizing it, a phenomenon known as microsleep. Even a brief lapse in consciousness can lead to a severe collision at highway speeds.
Common causes of truck driver fatigue
Several factors contribute to truck driver fatigue, including long hours on the road, tight delivery schedules, and inadequate rest breaks. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Violations of hours-of-service regulations
The FMCSA enforces hours-of-service (HOS) regulations to limit how long truck drivers can be on the road before taking a break. For example:
- Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Drivers must take a 30-minute break after eight hours of driving.
- Drivers cannot work more than 60 hours in seven days or 70 hours in eight days.
When drivers or trucking companies violate these rules, the risk of fatigue-related accidents increases significantly.
2. Pressure to meet delivery deadlines
Trucking companies often impose tight schedules, encouraging drivers to push through fatigue to meet deadlines. This pressure can lead to dangerous decisions like skipping rest breaks or driving longer than legally allowed.
3. Sleep disorders
Conditions like sleep apnea are common among truck drivers and can lead to chronic fatigue. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, these drivers may struggle to stay alert on the road.
| Study: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Heavy Truck Drivers – Cureus |
4. Irregular sleep schedules
Long-haul trucking often involves driving at night or during odd hours, disrupting natural sleep patterns and contributing to fatigue.
Legal implications of truck driver fatigue
In California, fatigued driving is considered a form of negligence. If a fatigued truck driver causes an accident, they—and potentially their employer—can be held liable for the resulting damages. California law requires all drivers to operate their vehicles with reasonable care to avoid harming others, and failing to do so due to fatigue constitutes a breach of that duty.
Liability in fatigue-related truck accidents
Liability in a fatigue-related truck accident often extends beyond the driver. Other parties that may share responsibility include:
The trucking company
Trucking companies may be liable if they encouraged or ignored violations of hours-of-service regulations, failed to monitor driver schedules, or imposed unrealistic delivery deadlines.
The truck driver
Truck drivers who knowingly operate their vehicle while fatigued are directly responsible for any accidents caused by their negligence.
Maintenance or logistics providers
Third-party companies may also be held accountable if improper scheduling, vehicle maintenance, or other logistical failures contributed to the driver’s fatigue.
Proving truck driver fatigue in a legal claim
Proving fatigue as a factor in a truck accident requires thorough investigation and evidence collection. Key evidence includes:
- Driver logs: Hours-of-service records can reveal violations of rest requirements.
- Electronic logging devices (ELDs): These devices track a truck’s movement and driving hours, offering critical insights into whether the driver exceeded legal limits.
- Witness testimony: Statements from other drivers, passengers, or coworkers can support claims of fatigue.
- Medical records: Evidence of untreated sleep disorders or medication use may highlight underlying factors contributing to fatigue.
An experienced attorney can gather and analyze this evidence to build a strong case for truck accident compensation.
How Ernst Law Group can help
At Ernst Law Group, we have extensive experience handling truck driver fatigue cases. Our attorneys hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable for the harm they cause. We understand the complexities of federal and California trucking laws and will investigate every detail of your case to secure the compensation you deserve.
Damages you may recover include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages (in fatal accidents)
Contact Ernst Law Group for a free consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a fatigued truck driver, contact Ernst Law Group today for a free consultation. Our dedicated team will guide you through the legal process, fight for your rights, and help you achieve justice and fair compensation.
