Drowsy driving is a major safety issue on the road and it is a particular concern for truck drivers. Long hours and lack of sleep impair vision, reflexes, and judgment while putting you in danger of falling asleep behind the wheel. Unfortunately, police allege that this is exactly what happened in a recent fatal truck accident in San Jose, which blocked traffic for hours and claimed the life of a passenger in the vehicle.
San Jose Truck Accident Kills One, Injures Another
A recent truck accident on Highway 101 in San Jose left one person dead and another with serious injuries. The collision occurred at 3:45 a.m. as the truck was heading northbound near the area of area of McKee Road. Originating in Los Angeles, the unidentified driver had apparently been on the road all night, while an unnamed male passenger slept in the backseat of the truck.
The driver is reported to have temporarily dozed off, causing the box truck he was operating to drift off the right shoulder of the highway and towards an embankment. The truck overturned, causing fuel to spill all over the road. The passenger, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, suffered fatal head injuries while the driver was rushed to a local hospital with injuries that were reported as severe. Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Drowsy Driving a Serious Risk for Truck Drivers and Others on the Road
For truck drivers, long hours, tight schedules, and lack of sleep are often a regular part of the job. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that for anyone who gets less than the recommended eight hours of sleep each night, the chances for serious motor vehicle accidents significantly increases.
Drowsy driving diminishes your driving abilities and can cause you to nod off behind the wheel. Even a few seconds with your eyes closed is enough for a potentially fatal accident to occur. The NHTSA reports that these types of crashes kill close to 800 people each year and truck drivers are not the only ones at risk. Anyone who does not keep a regular schedule or has trouble sleeping at night could be putting themselves and others on the road in danger. Those who are likely more at risk include:
- Night and swing shift workers;
- New parents, who may be up with a crying baby;
- College students, who are often up studying late at night;
- People with active social lives, which often deprives them of sleep; and
- Anyone who suffers from a sleep-related disorder.
Contact a Dedicated San Jose Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you or someone you love is involved in a crash and you suspect drowsy driving may have been a factor, the Jachimowicz Law Group may be able to help. Request a free consultation to discuss your case and call us at our office or contact our dedicated San Jose truck accident attorneys online today.
Sources:
Fatal San Jose Box Truck Crash Slows Highway 101 Commute
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving
