Studies have shown that sleep deprivation has a similar effect on the body as alcohol. This means that sleep deprivation decreases judgment and reaction time and increases the risk of causing an accident.
The fact that sleep deprivation increases accident risks has long been known to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In a three-year study published in 2006, the FMCSA identified fatigue as a leading cause of truck accidents and has since imposed regulations on drive time for truckers.
New rules that went into effect last year limited a single workweek to 70 hours and required at least 36 hours of rest before a new workweek could begin. Sadly, those reasonable limitations were suspended by the Senate Appropriations Committee last week until further research on the dangers posed by sleepy truckers can be conducted.
If you or a loved one have been injured by a fatigued trucker you don’t need further research, you need an experienced attorney who can help ensure justice is served. The Seattle truck accident attorneys at the Hornbuckle Firm are here to take your case, fight for your rights, and help you get the full compensation you are due.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Seattle truck accident attorneys, please contact the Hornbuckle Firm today.
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