Fatigued Truck Driving: A Risk Factor in Louisiana Trucking Accidents

Last month, a sleep-deprived truck driver crashed into Tracy Morgan’s limo van. This tragic incident highlights the issue of fatigued truck driving. The accident left the comedian seriously injured and claimed the life of his driver. Such incidents underscore the growing problem of fatigued truck driving and their catastrophic consequences.

Federal Investigations and the Role of Fatigue in Trucking Accidents

Federal investigators point to fatigue as a major factor in this accident. This issue isn’t new; it’s a prevalent problem in many major truck accidents. This incident highlighted a significant issue – the prevalence of fatigue-induced accidents among truck drivers.

Fatigued Truck Drivers: A Danger to Road Safety

Around three million truck drivers navigate the roads daily, sharing their routes with millions of other motorists. Unfortunately, nearly 400 motorists and truck drivers are killed in large trucking accidents every month.

Last year alone, more than 500,000 citations were issued for violating hours-of-service (HOS) rules. HOS rules aim to limit a trucker’s driving time to help alleviate driver fatigue. Still, driver fatigue remains a leading cause of significant truck accidents, causing irreversible damage and, in unfortunate cases, leading to wrongful death.

The Need for Electronic Monitoring Devices

Most truck drivers use an outdated system to record their driving time, leading to many HOS violations. A new mandate requires commercial trucks to use Electronic Monitoring Devices (ELDs) to combat this.

To address this concern, a new mandate requires every commercial truck to have an Electronic Monitoring Device (ELD). ELDs provide an accurate way to monitor and record driving time, helping to reduce fatigue-induced accidents and, consequently, personal injuries.

The ELD Mandate: Ushering in an Era of Enhanced Road Safety

The ELD mandate, a broad initiative backed by safety advocates, law enforcement, the trucking industry, and truck drivers, aims to improve road safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) introduced this mandate in December 2015 and expects full industry adoption by the end of 2017.

Many in the trucking industry have already embraced the ELD mandate, with approximately 30% of the nation’s 3.5 million large trucks equipped with ELDs—the result: lower insurance premiums, reduced accidents, and improved efficiencies.

The Role of Lawyers in Trucking Accidents

Truck accidents, often associated with driver fatigue, can lead to serious personal injuries and even wrongful death. If you find yourself a victim of such an incident in Louisiana, it is crucial to consult an experienced Louisiana trucking accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Herman Herman Katz, our team of skilled attorneys is committed to protecting your interests and rights against the trucking industry. Contact us today at 844-943-7626 for a free, no-obligation case review.