Fatigue is one of the main reasons for truck accidents in the United States. It usually sets in after being on the road for a long time with little rest. Drivers who are tired are not only sleepy, but they also respond more slowly and make bad decisions. This is very dangerous for both the truck driver and everyone else on the road.
There are more risks tied to tired truck drivers in the Bronx because of the busy roads and heavy traffic. A lot of trucks carry goods every day through the Bronx because of its major transportation hub status. Most of these trucks use local highways like the Cross Bronx Expressway and the Major Deegan Expressway. If you were hurt in an accident, talking to a truck accident lawyer in Bronx can help you figure out what your options are.
With that said, the article below discusses how fatigue affects driver behavior and causes truck accidents.
Slower Reaction Time
A slower reaction to danger is one of the first things that happens when the driver is tired. Tired truck drivers might not notice a car suddenly stopping in front of them. They don’t know how to respond immediately, even if they do see the car.
A delay of just two seconds can be the difference between stopping and a crash. When big trucks are involved, that delay turns deadly.
Poor Decision-Making
When drivers are tired, they make bad decisions. They might misjudge the distance or do something risky without realizing it is dangerous. It also makes people more irritable, which can lead to road rage or impulsive driving.
When truckers are tired, they are more likely to speed up than slow down. Because their minds aren’t sharp, they might not follow traffic rules. When people act like this, they are more likely to get into an accident, especially in crowded cities.
Lane Drifting and Road Departure
Drivers who are too tired may drift between lanes. There are times when they even go off the road. This can cause cars to hit barriers or other cars on the side.
When truckers go through “highway hypnosis,” they often drift off. They have open eyes, but their brains are still half asleep. In places like the Bronx, this can quickly lead to a crash involving several cars.
Tunnel Vision and Highway Hypnosis
Fatigue can shrink a driver’s field of vision. Instead of scanning the road, they stare straight ahead without noticing what’s around them. This tunnel vision leads to missed signs, stopped cars, or merged vehicles.
Highway hypnosis happens most often after long hours on straight roads. When it comes to cities, the outcomes can be worse. A car could miss a red light or fail to stop for a pedestrian.
Microsleep and Sudden Sleep
Microsleep is one of the most dangerous effects of fatigue. The brain shuts down for a few seconds, even if the driver thinks they’re awake. During that moment, a truck can move hundreds of feet without anyone in control.
Microsleep can happen in the time between blinks. It often comes out of the blue. A truck that veers off the road or into traffic may be driven by someone who doesn’t even realize they fell asleep.
Bad Judgment from Cumulative Fatigue
Fatigue builds up over days, not just hours. A driver who sleeps badly all week is at risk by the weekend. Many skip breaks or ignore rest rules to finish jobs faster.
Some drivers “power through” even though they’re tired for the last few miles of a route. That choice often ends in disaster. A tired brain can’t be pushed; it shuts down when it’s had enough.