Do Truck Drivers Need Caffeine to Reduce Crashes?
Truck drivers routinely make long journeys, which means extended driving periods. According to the National Highway Transport Safety Administration, most drivers resort to caffeine to ease fatigue. The administration also reported that 9 out of 10 truck accidents result from erroneous driving due to fatigue.
Effects of Caffeine
Caffeine users get a significant energy boost both mentally and physically. People can consume caffeine at almost any level and experience no negative effects in the short run. Caffeine is known to stimulate the body’s metabolism as well.
However, it is important to note that caffeine is classified as a drug. It is not illegal and is readily available on the market, with no age limitations, but it still has negative side effects like all other drugs.
Truck drivers are among the most popular users of caffeine, and truthfully, it is a lifesaver for many. Studies revealed that drivers who had consumed caffeine were about 60% less likely to cause accidents.
However, some of these studies do not reveal the negative side effects of excessive caffeine use for truck drivers. Caffeine is addictive and can result in health problems.
Numerous case studies show that caffeine is associated with reduced crashing risks for truck drivers and commercial motor vehicle drivers involved in long-distance driving.
Slow-release caffeine levels of about 300mg were also found to significantly reduce accident liabilities, speed deviations, and lane drifting among drivers.
The Dangers of Caffeine Use
The initial use of caffeine stimulates drivers and helps them cope with their monotonous journeys. Consequently, most truck drivers make caffeine use a routine practice and become dependent without their knowledge. One of the immediate effects of being too dependent is the feeling of withdrawal.
Victims begin to encounter headaches, irritability, and extreme sleepiness when they do not consume caffeine. They generally have low tolerance levels and become poor performers without caffeine.
Also, excessive caffeine intake can raise blood pressure and heart rate, which are life-threatening conditions. High levels of caffeine in the body can be toxic, and victims can even experience stomach irritability. Additionally, drinking caffeine on a continual basis means that drivers will need more caffeine over time to keep them awake. This can get a bit dangerous, with drivers choosing to just drink more caffeine instead of getting enough sleep.
Caffeine Cannot Tackle Fatigue
While caffeine can be the solution in the short term, it is not recommendable for truck drivers who work late into the night. Most people tend to feel drowsy when driving during the night, and if the driver is dependent and fails to have their caffeine, they can easily cause accidents. People generally tend to feel drowsy after midnight, and drivers could lose their alertness or even fall asleep behind the wheel if driving around this time.
The human body needs rest, and no single substance can substitute getting enough good sleep. Truck drivers should make sure they have good sleeping patterns in between their journeys. The ideal case would be to have co-drivers who take the wheel while the other person rests.
Alternatively, it is safer to pull over and have a few hours’ worth of rest than for truck drivers to operate on too little sleep. While trucking companies may put pressure on drivers to make deliveries on time, it’s much more important that drivers get enough rest. Doing so means there are fewer accidents. If a driver feels that they can’t make a delivery on time without putting themselves in a potentially dangerous situation by operating on little sleep, they can work it out with their company or end client, who should be more than understanding.
Truck accident lawyers can help victims hold truck drivers liable by proving that they were driving while drowsy.
Are You a Personal Injury Victim of Wrongful Truck Driving?
According to statistics, more than 2 million Americans suffer injuries in car accidents. However, the same statistics also reveal that in most cases, only the truck drivers end up with a car accident attorney to help them prove their innocence or reduce their liability. Many truck accident victims are left to cater to their medical costs and deal with the traumatic experience on their own.
If you suffered personal injuries or loss due to wrongful truck driving, you might need a trucking accident lawyer. Truck accidents can be difficult, especially if the driver and insurance company refuse to accept the fault.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer
If the driver was at fault, you are entitled to compensation that covers your medical bills and any other monetary or non-monetary losses, including pain and suffering. It can be quite challenging to follow through the process alone without legal assistance. Lawyers have experience in handling similar cases, and the right attorney can help make everything seem easy.
You Will Not Worry About What to Say
Immediately after the accident, what you say to the police and insurance companies is very critical. You may get a faulty driver off the hook without your knowledge. However, with a lawyer by your side, most of your worries might be solved. A good trucking accident lawyer can render the right advice and answer most of the questions on your behalf.
Help You Get the Right Compensation
Even if the driver and insurance company accepts liability, the firm will try as much as possible to pay you the minimum compensation. However, your lawyer can assess your situation and point out all the damages you deserve.
The attorney can push through to ensure you get the amount you deserve and even represent you in litigation if you disagree with the insurance company.
Take Care of the Paperwork
Submitting a claim involves a lot of paperwork that an ordinary person may not manage to complete. Besides, you could make an error in the claim and lose all the rights to compensation. An experienced lawyer can help you handle the paperwork so that you focus on your recovery.
Gather Evidence and File a Lawsuit
It is always good to prepare for litigation, even though it does not always that cases end up there. Immediately after the accident, victims need to gather evidence that they can use to prove the driver’s fault in court.
If you sustained severe injuries, your lawyer can visit the scene and collect all the evidence on your behalf. The attorney can also investigate the trucking company and file a lawsuit if it becomes necessary.
Truck accidents are not a new occurrence on the roads. Whether the truck driver was at fault or you are fully or partially liable, it is important to reach out to an attorney after an accident.
Finding a good trucking accident attorney can be a little daunting, but if you are a truck accident victim in New Jersey, we have got you covered at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. – RAM Law. We understand the impacts of a trucking accident, and our lawyers are ready to help you.
Contact us today at (732) 394-1549 and book a free consultation and case review from our qualified truck accident lawyers in New Jersey.
