May 5th, 2025

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatigue contributes to 13% of large truck crashes. Considering the size and weight of commercial trucks, even one fatigue-related accident can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Few jobs are as physically and mentally taxing as truck driving. With long hours, tight delivery deadlines, irregular sleep schedules, and extended periods of isolation, fatigue is inevitable. And when it sets in behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle, the risks increase for everyone on the road.

Hours-of-Service Regulations: What to Know

The FMCSA has implemented Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations to address driver fatigue. These rules ensure truck drivers get enough rest and minimize the risk of drowsy driving:

  • 11-Hour Driving Limit: After taking at least 10 consecutive hours off duty, drivers can operate their vehicles for 11 hours.
  • 14-Hour Limit: Those 11 hours of drive time must fall within a 14-hour period that begins once a driver goes on duty.
  • 30-Minute Break Requirement: Once a driver has been on the road for eight straight hours, they must take a break of at least 30 minutes before continuing.
  • 60/70-Hour Limit: Drivers cannot drive after accumulating over 60 hours on duty within seven consecutive days or 70 hours within eight consecutive days, depending on the employer’s designated schedule.

While these regulations are in place to promote safer driving, they are not always followed. Some trucking companies pressure drivers to violate HOS rules to meet delivery deadlines, sometimes offering financial incentives or ignoring logbook falsifications.

A California truck accident attorney can help investigate logbook violations, analyze driver schedules, and prove that fatigue played a role in your crash.

The Dangers of Drowsy Driving Among Truck Drivers

Studies have shown that being awake for 24 hours impairs performance to a degree comparable to having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.10%, which exceeds the legal limit of 0.08% for driving in the U.S.

Fatigue slows a driver’s reaction time, impairs judgment, and decreases decision-making ability, all crucial skills for safely operating a commercial vehicle.

Some of the most alarming effects of fatigue include:

  • Microsleeps: These are brief episodes of sleep that last only a few seconds. A truck moving at highway speeds can travel the length of a football field in that time.
  • Tunnel Vision: Fatigued drivers may have trouble focusing and processing what’s happening in their peripheral vision.
  • Delayed Reactions: The ability to respond quickly to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions is reduced.
  • Poor Decision-Making: Tired drivers are more likely to make risky or irrational choices.

That’s why fatigue is not only one of the most dangerous issues for truck drivers but also one of the easiest to prevent.

Signs You Are Too Tired to Drive

Whether you’re a commercial truck driver or a motorist on a long road trip, it’s important to recognize the signs that you are too tired to drive, which include:

  • Frequent yawning or blinking
  • Trouble keeping your eyes open
  • Drifting out of your lane or hitting rumble strips
  • Forgetting the last few miles driven
  • Missing exits or traffic signs
  • Feeling irritable or restless

If you experience any of these symptoms, the safest decision is to pull over and rest. Continuing to drive while fatigued could lead to a serious accident or fatality.

Who’s Responsible for Preventing Fatigue-Related Crashes?

Responsibility doesn’t fall solely on the truck driver. Trucking companies also play a critical role in promoting safety. It is their duty to:

  • Follow HOS regulations
  • Ensure drivers are correctly trained and well-rested
  • Avoid pressuring drivers to violate safety rules
  • Maintain accurate logbooks and monitor driving schedules

When companies ignore these responsibilities in pursuit of profit, they may be held legally accountable for the damage caused by a resulting crash.

California Truck Accident Attorneys Ready to Help After Your Injury

Fatigue-related truck accidents can have life-altering consequences. If you or someone you love has been injured in a commercial truck crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Working with an experienced California truck accident attorney ensures your case is handled with the knowledge and attention it deserves.

Contact Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Don’t let someone else’s negligence behind the wheel of a commercial truck derail your life. A fatigue-related truck accident deserves serious legal attention. We can help you receive the maximum compensation you are owed.