Truck drivers are the lifeblood of Pennsylvania’s economy, keeping goods moving across the state and the nation. But the long hours and demanding schedules they face often lead to one of the biggest dangers on our roads: fatigue. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and diminished motor skills—an especially dangerous combination behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle.
At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating truck accidents can be. We believe truck driver fatigue is a serious safety issue that deserves attention from everyone—drivers, companies, and the public.
The Scope of the Problem & Why Drowsy Driving Is So Dangerous
Driver fatigue is a widespread problem in the trucking industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that up to 13% of commercial drivers were fatigued at the time of their crash. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows that 684 people died in drowsy-driving-related accidents nationwide in 2021. In Pennsylvania, long stretches of highway like I-80 and I-76 are particularly prone to fatigue-related crashes.
Drowsy driving is dangerous for any motorist, but it’s especially deadly for truck drivers:
- Vehicle Size: Big rigs take longer to stop and are harder to control. If a truck driver falls asleep, the results can be catastrophic.
- Long Hours: The longer you drive, the more exhausted you become—especially on long hauls across Pennsylvania.
- Irregular Sleep: Night shifts and odd hours can disrupt natural sleep cycles, making fatigue more likely.
- Health Risks: Many truck drivers suffer from untreated sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea.
- Pressure to Deliver: Tight delivery schedules can push drivers to keep moving even when they know they shouldn’t.
When a truck driver is too tired, their ability to react disappears—and with it, the safety of everyone else on the road.
Signs of Fatigue Truck Drivers Should Watch For
Recognizing the signs of fatigue could save lives. Truck drivers—and other drivers sharing the road—should watch for these warning signs:
- Frequent yawning or blinking
- Heavy eyelids
- Drifting between lanes
- Trouble remembering the last few miles driven
- Missing traffic signs or exits
- Hitting rumble strips
- Difficulty maintaining speed
If any of these signs appear, it’s critical to pull over and rest. Ignoring them could end in disaster.
Who Is Responsible for Accidents Caused by Fatigued Drivers?
While it’s easy to blame the driver, trucking companies often play a major role too. Unsafe schedules, unrealistic delivery demands, and company cultures that prioritize speed over safety all contribute to the problem.
Ways trucking companies can—and should—combat drowsy driving:
- Fair Scheduling: Giving drivers realistic hours that allow for proper rest.
- Prioritizing Safety: Building a company culture where rest and compliance matter more than deadlines.
- Ongoing Training: Teaching drivers to recognize the signs of fatigue and encouraging safe habits.
- Monitoring Hours: Using electronic logging devices (ELDs) to enforce federal hours-of-service rules.
- Providing Resources: Helping drivers find safe rest stops and promoting health programs.
- Open Communication: Allowing drivers to raise concerns about fatigue without fear of punishment.
When companies ignore these responsibilities, they put all of us at risk—and they can and should be held accountable.
How an Attorney Investigates Truck Driver Fatigue
At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg, we take an aggressive approach to uncovering signs of driver fatigue when representing accident victims. Our investigation may include:
- Driver Logs: Reviewing electronic or paper logs for violations of rest rules.
- Black Box Data: Analyzing information from the truck’s onboard recorder.
- Company Records: Checking if trucking companies pressured drivers or violated scheduling regulations.
- Surveillance Footage: Looking for video evidence of erratic driving.
- Medical Evidence: Investigating whether the driver had untreated health conditions like sleep apnea.
- Witness Accounts: Gathering statements from those who saw the truck's behavior before the crash.
The more evidence we gather, the stronger our case—and the better the chances of getting our clients the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
The Road Ahead
Fatigue-related crashes are preventable. It takes a team effort—drivers, trucking companies, lawmakers, and advocates—to make meaningful change.
Reducing truck driver fatigue means:
- Safer highways
- Healthier drivers
- Fewer catastrophic accidents
- Stronger communities across Pennsylvania
At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg, we are proud to stand up for those who have been hurt by negligence on our roads. We’ve been fighting for injured Pennsylvanians for more than 100 years—and we’re not stopping anytime soon.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a trucking accident, call us at (888) 498-3023 or contact us online. Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.