A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that insufficient sleep can decrease a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver’s alertness level. However, the researchers cautioned that determining the relationship between hours of service, fatigue, and accident frequency for CMV operators is complex. There are other factors that may have an impact on this relationship, including difficulty in objectively measuring driver fatigue, the invasiveness of trying to measure the amount and quality of drivers’ sleep, and other factors contributing to CMV crashes that are not related to fatigue or lack of sleep. The findings of this study also largely concerned drivers for large motor carriers, as opposed to drivers for smaller motor carriers or independent owner-operators.
The findings of this study, however, are not insignificant, given the fact that about 4,000 fatalities occur in the United States each year as a result of CMVs. Statistics show that 10 – 20% of these fatalities involve fatigued drivers. Work as a CMV driver involves unique stresses that put them at a higher risk of insufficient sleep and some chronic health conditions. These stresses include irregular schedules, economic pressures, and poor sleep quality due to uncomfortable sleeping conditions. The reality is that there is no substitute for an adequate quality and quantity of sleep.
The study concludes that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and/or the U.S. Department of Transportation should fund and conduct ongoing data collection concerning these issues. Additionally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) should make several improvements in their data and research methods, which, in turn, should allow a more comprehensive understanding of the connections between driver fatigue, various highway safety regulations, and CMV crashes. Likewise, the study suggested the need for more driver and employer education programs to help improve highway safety.
We are the Wisconsin traffic accident lawyers to whom you always can turn if your loved one suffers serious injuries in a traffic accident. No matter how complex or difficult your situation may be, the Madison injury attorneys of Boller & Vaughan are here to advocate for your interests and hold negligent drivers responsible for any injury or death that has occurred.
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.