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How prevalent is drowsy driving among truckers?

On Behalf of | Jan 7, 2021 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Did you know that drowsy driving is one of the most common deadly driving behaviors today? Experts believe that these statistics are set to continue their rise in coming years.

This is particularly true within certain industries. For example, the trucking industry finds itself plagued by drowsy drivers and has been dealing with this issue for years.

Trucking industry may encourage drowsy driving

The Sleep Foundation looks into drowsiness in the trucking industry. The trucking industry suffers from a large percentage of unsafe, drowsy drivers, making it a known issue that impacts truckers and everyone else on the road. Former truckers often cite issues within the industry’s culture. They say it perpetuates the cycle of drowsy driving and at times encourages acceptance of such behavior.

Many workers feel pressured — either directly or indirectly — to skimp on sleep while making deliveries. Companies and employers often offer bonuses and merit based on the speed of delivery. The less a driver sleeps, the faster they can finish their workload.

Culture among truckers also tends to encourage drowsy driving. Some industry workers boast about how long they can drive without needing to rest. Others believe it is an inherent risk in the profession and people should not take the job if they are not prepared to accept the loss of sleep.

Wakefulness tricks do not work

Truckers may feel a false sense of security by using various methods for staying awake and vigilant while behind the wheel. Unfortunately, science proves that the only real way to combat drowsy driving is through proper rest. Any wakefulness tricks will only last for a short time, if at all. This false sense of security can lead to overconfidence too, which often contributes to wrecks.