With truck driver fatigue an ongoing problem, recent advancements can help reduce the potential for deadly truck accidents.
Truck driver fatigue has plagued US highways for decades, even after the enactment of Hours of Service (HOS) rules by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Though various strategies have been implemented to track HOS and prevent truckers from working in excess of their limits, the risk of serious truck accidents linked to drowsy driving remains high. In response to the problem, some companies are creating and actively promoting devices that can alert truck drivers when they have become too tired to safely operate the vehicle.
Technology to help truckers fight off fatigue shows great promise in reducing accidents, but it will never completely eliminate the potential for crashes. You should trust an Oklahoma City truck accident lawyer for legal assistance if you were hurt, and read on for some information about the latest developments.
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SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYIoT and Wearable Tech Devices to Prevent Drowsy Driving
In general, products for reducing the risk of fatigue-related truck accidents are intended to alert truckers regarding the signs of drowsiness. Drivers can also use the technology to develop an effective strategy for sleeping and rest breaks while working. Options for wearables and the “Internet of Things” (IoT) include:
- Glasses or dashboard-mounted devices that measure blinking patterns, since drooping eyelids are a top indicator of fatigue;
- Headsets which monitor a driver’s head movements, including “head bobs” that are often a precursor to dozing off;
- Headbands that track brain waves and sound an alarm when the driver shows signs of drowsiness; and,
- Dash-mounted cameras that detect where a truck driver is looking while driving, which can send a warning message or cause seat vibrations to rouse the operator.
There are even solutions that can measure sleep quality, so a trucker knows the quality and quantity of sleep before getting behind the wheel. This technology can assist the truck driver in planning for stops, but it can also assist trucking companies with assigning jobs to the operators who are prepared for a longer route.
Other Measures to Reduce Truck Driver Fatigue
Another strategy to address drowsy driving involves how truckers are paid for their time. It is a common practice for truck drivers to wait, potentially for hours, as cargo is being loaded and unloaded. In most cases, they are not paid during the process and the inactivity can lead to fatigue. Truckers will often try to make up for this downtime while driving, potentially leading to serious collisions.
Speak to a Tulsa Truck Accident Attorney for Free
If you were hurt in a truck accident caused by driver fatigue or any other type of negligence, solid legal representation is critical for getting the maximum compensation allowed by law. For more information on how we can help with the process, please contact BDIW Law in Ponca City, Oklahoma. You can set up a no-cost consultation by calling 918-728-6500 or contacting our Oklahoma City, OK truck crash lawyers via our website.
