Why Truckers Fall Asleep at the Wheel

Jerry Bowman, Owner and Managing Attorney

General
October 31, 2024
Why Truckers Fall Asleep at the Wheel

Truck drivers in Colorado often face grueling schedules and tight deadlines, which can aggravate the physical demands of long-haul driving. The demanding nature of their work can result in insufficient sleep. Unfortunately, fatigue poses a severe risk to all motorists and passengers, possibly leading to catastrophic accidents. The Colorado trucking accident attorneys at Bowman Law recognize falling asleep while driving is a grave threat to everyone on the road. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why truck drivers are susceptible to falling asleep at the wheel and analyze the consequences of this alarming act.

Research conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported that, between 2017 and 2021, an estimated 29,834 people were killed in crashes that involved drowsy drivers. Falling asleep at the wheel can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. Both are risky behaviors that can impair reaction times, decrease awareness of surroundings and coordination, and reduce decision-making abilities. These actions can significantly injure or kill people on Colorado roads.

Why Do Truck Drivers Fall Asleep While Driving? 

Truck drivers in Colorado fall asleep on duty due to several factors that contribute to fatigue and drowsiness. Some of the most common reasons why truckers fall asleep while driving include:

Long Hours: Usually, truck drivers work long and unexpected shifts. Most of the time, they drive for 10 or more hours at a time. Even with regulations in place, truckers may feel pressured to drive for extended periods without proper breaks, leading to drowsiness.

Inclement Conditions: Truck drivers often work long and unexpected shifts. Most of the time, they drive for 10 or more hours at a time. Even with regulations in place, truckers may feel pressured to drive for extended periods without proper breaks, leading to drowsiness.

Irregular Sleep Patterns: Truckers may have irregular sleep patterns due to the unpredictable nature and inconsistent schedule of their work. They may have to sleep during the day, which can be difficult if they are not used to it, leading to poor-quality sleep. This leads to low quality of sleep or sleep deprivation, which increases the risk of drowsiness.

Poor Sleeping Conditions: Truck drivers who sleep in a truck cabin or rest stop may feel uncomfortable and worn out, especially when there is unexpected noise, temperature changes, and limited space that affects their sleep. Poor sleeping conditions can result in insufficient rest, which can eventually cause fatigue.

Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, can significantly impact sleep quality. Some truckers may suffer from such conditions and go untreated. Sleep apnea may result in interrupted sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness, causing drivers to be more susceptible to drowsiness.

Driving at Night: It is naturally difficult for a person to stay alert during the night due to the body’s circadian rhythm, or internal clock. When truck drivers travel overnight, they are battling against their biological clock, which amplifies the likelihood of falling asleep.

Pressure to Meet Deadlines: Financial incentives and demands or rules of the employers may force truckers to push their limits, even when they are tired. This pressure can cause truck drivers to skip rest breaks or try to power through their fatigue.

A truck driver rests his head on his hand, appearing fatigued in the cabin.

What are the Dangers of Truckers Falling Asleep at the Wheel?

The dangers of truck drivers falling asleep at the wheel are severe and potentially catastrophic. The following are some of the threats truckers may face:

Reduced Reaction Time: When truck drivers are tired, their brains process information more slowly. Their reaction time and decision-making ability become impaired, making it difficult for them to react appropriately to unexpected events on the road.

Increased Likelihood of Accidents: The slow reaction time and impaired judgment of truckers lead to a heightened risk of collisions. A drowsy trucker may miss traffic signals, fail to notice hazards or see vulnerable road users, or make critical errors, resulting in major or deadly crashes.

Cargo Spills: Most trucks carry and transport hazardous materials, including flammable liquids, chemicals, or heavy equipment. If a trucker falls asleep and causes an accident, these materials can spill, leading to fires, explosions, toxic exposure, or environmental damage. 

Infrastructure Damage: Truck drivers who fall asleep and run off the road or crash into barriers, guardrails, bridges, or buildings can cause road closures and extensive property or structural damage. Drowsy drivers may collide with homes, businesses, or even critical infrastructure like power lines and pipelines.

Legal Consequences: Truck drivers falling asleep at the wheel and their trucking companies will face legal liability if an accident occurs. Wrongful death, injuries, and property damage lawsuits can result in massive settlements. Trucking companies may also be confronted with fines and penalties if found guilty of violating hours-of-service regulations that limit driving time.

How Long are Truckers Allowed to Drive?

In Colorado, truck drivers are subject to federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), as well as any additional state-specific rules. The key federal regulations that apply in the state are:

11-Hour Limit: Truckers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

14-Hour On-Duty Limit: Truck drivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. Off-duty time does not extend the 14-hour period.

30-Minute Break: Truckers must take a 30-minute break when they have driven for a period of 8 cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption.

60/70-Hour On-Duty Limit: Drivers may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. A driver may restart a 7/8 consecutive day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.

Sleeper Berth Provision: Drivers using the sleeper berth provision must take at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, plus a separate 2 consecutive hours either in the sleeper berth, off duty, or any combination of the two.

A semi-truck drives on a snowy road with mountains in the background.

How Can I Prove a Trucker Fell Asleep at the Wheel? 

Proving that a trucker fell asleep at the wheel in a crash can be challenging, but several forms of evidence can help establish that fatigue or drowsiness was the cause. Here are some things that may prove a trucker fell asleep while driving:

Driver’s Log and Hours of Service Records: These include the detailed logs of the driving hours, rest breaks, and off-duty periods of truckers, and Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that record driving times automatically. 

Surveillance Footage or Dashboard Camera Videos: These involve dashboard cams of the truck , traffic cameras or surveillance footage from nearby businesses or establishments, or video footage from other vehicles involved in the accident.

Witness Statements: It includes statements from other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians that can be valuable in proving that a truck driver fell asleep before the collision. 

Accident Reconstruction: Investigators can analyze the crash scene, skid marks, damage patterns, and other physical evidence to determine if the truck was unconscious or asleep at the time of the accident.

Driver’s Medical History and Sleep Records: These medical records of the trucker or previous health assessments or tests related to sleep quality may provide proof of a history or possibility of sleep disorders.

Toxicology Report: A toxicology report can determine if the trucker used alcohol, drugs, or medication that may have caused drowsiness. 

Physical Condition of the Truck Driver: The physical condition of the trucker can show signs of extreme fatigue, such as heavy eyelids, disorientation, or confusion. These symptoms can indicate that the driver fell asleep prior to the collision.

Event Data Recorder (EDR): Commonly known as a black box, it records critical data leading up to the accident. The data can include speed, braking, steering inputs, and throttle usage.

Police Reports: These include observations about the accident scene and interviews with the driver. Law enforcement may note signs of fatigue, such as the driver’s statements about feeling tired or falling asleep. 

Accidents Caused by a Drowsy Truck Driver

Truck drivers who fall asleep at the wheel can cause severe or fatal car accidents. The following are the most common forms of crashes:

  • Run-off-road accidents;
  • Head-on crashes;
  • Rear-end collisions;
  • Jackknife accidents;
  • Rollover collisions;
  • Underride accidents;
  • Sideswipe collisions;
  • Fixed object collisions;
  • Load spills;
  • Multi-vehicle pileups;

Injuries in Accidents Due to Trucker Falling Asleep at the Wheel

Truck accidents caused by a driver falling asleep at the wheel can result in severe, life-threatening injuries due to the size, weight, and speed of commercial trucks. The common types of injuries that can happen in these collisions include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI);
  • Spinal cord injuries such as herniated discs;
  • Whiplash and neck injuries;
  • Fractures and broken bones;
  • Internal injuries such as damage to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs;
  • Burns;
  • Amputations;
  • Lacerations and abrasions;
  • Facial injuries ;
  • Psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression;
  • Death
A truck driver in an orange shirt rubs his eyes while driving.

Damages in Colorado Truck Accidents

Victims of Colorado truck accidents and their loved ones can pursue various types of damages to compensate for their losses. Some of the damages are:

  • Current and future medical bills;
  • Rehabilitation and therapy costs;
  • Expenses for assistive devices;
  • Lost wages;
  • Loss of earning capacity;
  • Property damage, such as vehicle damage;
  • Pain and suffering;
  • Emotional distress;
  • Loss of consortium;
  • Loss of enjoyment of life;
  • Funeral and burial costs in case of a fatality;

Contact our Colorado Truck Accident Attorneys

At Bowman Law, we recognize the profound impact a personal injury can have on your life. Our Colorado personal injury lawyers understand the overwhelming challenges you may be facing. Do not go at it alone. Let us help. Our team of Colorado truck accident attorneys provide compassionate, personalized legal representation to help you navigate this challenging time.

Our client-first approach ensures your needs are at the forefront of everything we do. We pride ourselves on transparency, integrity, and clear communication, guiding you through each step of the legal process. From initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we will guide you through the process. Our goal is to alleviate the stress of legal proceedings so you can focus on your recovery. Bowman Law has a proven record of success.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, do not face the challenges alone. Please send us a message or call us at 720-538-0604 to schedule a free case evaluation. Remember, you have one chance at attaining full and complete justice, and we are here to ensure you seize it. Let Colorado’s top-rated Colorado truck accident attorneys fight for your rights, protect your interests, and deliver the justice you deserve. We serve clients across Colorado’s Front Range and beyond, including DenverColorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, Westminster, Lakewood, and Aurora. Call us now and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.