Taking Action: What You Can Do to Stay Safe Around Fatigued Truck Drivers

The bustling highways of Florence, Alabama, witness a constant flow of commercial trucks ferrying goods. While these big rigs are essential to our economy, they also present a potential hazard when driven by fatigued truck drivers. All users must proactively ensure their safety when sharing the road with these massive vehicles.

A truck accident caused by fatigue can result from long hours on the road, lack of adequate rest, and drowsiness. Fatigued truck drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired decision-making, making them more prone to accidents. These accidents can lead to severe injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage, highlighting the importance of addressing fatigue-related issues in the trucking industry to enhance road safety.

In this blog, we’ll explore practical steps you can take to stay safe around fatigued truck drivers and contribute to road safety in Florence:

1. Maintain Safe Distances

Maintaining a safe following distance is vital, especially when driving behind a truck. The “four-second rule” means keeping at least four seconds of space between your vehicle and the car. This provides a buffer if the truck driver makes sudden movements due to fatigue. To calculate, pick a stationary object on the road, and when the truck passes it, count “one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three, one-thousand-four.” If you reach the object before you finish counting, you’re following too closely.

2. Be Aware of Signs of Fatigue

Understanding the signs of fatigued driving can help you identify potential dangers. These signs include erratic lane changes, drifting out of the lane (weaving), abrupt braking, and slower reaction times. When you notice these indicators, keep your distance and stay cautious.

3. Avoid Blind Spots

Large trucks have extensive blind spots on all sides, often referred to as “no-zones.” Avoid driving in these areas to ensure the truck driver can see your vehicle. If you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirror, it’s likely they can’t see you. Be particularly cautious when passing a truck or when driving alongside it.

4. Pass Safely

When passing a truck, do so swiftly but safely. Signal your intentions well in advance, and move into the left lane when it’s clear. Pass the car with a smooth and steady acceleration. Ensure you can see the entire truck in your rearview mirror before returning to the right lane, giving the truck plenty of room.

5. Use Your Horn

If you suspect a truck driver might be drowsy or unaware of your presence, use your horn to alert them. A quick beep can serve as a wake-up call if the driver experiences a momentary lapse of attention.

6. Avoid Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving, such as tailgating, cutting off a truck, or engaging in confrontations, can escalate the situation with a fatigued truck driver. Maintain a calm and defensive driving approach to reduce the risk of road rage incidents or accidents.

7. Stay Visible

To enhance your visibility to the truck driver, use your headlights and keep them on, even during the day. This helps the truck driver spot your vehicle more easily, especially in adverse weather or low-light situations.

By following these practical steps, you actively contribute to reducing the risks associated with fatigued truck drivers on the road, making Florence’s highways safer for all travelers.