Drivers are urged to stay aware of fatigue

Fatigue can be a dangerous enemy of truckers and bus drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently proposed safeguards to help industry professionals get proper rest between shifts.

Current federal rules limit the hours that over-the-road truck and bus drivers can operate in a day and throughout the week. However, these professionals are also paid to deliver goods from one location to another, which could pressure them into pushing the limits.

"Long-distance bus drivers and truck drivers both face problems of long hours behind the wheel, irregular sleep schedules and driving fatigue" said Munley, the managing partner of Munley, Munley and Cartwright, P.C. "Truck driver fatigue has been identified as a contributing factor to many crashes involving 18 wheelers and buses."

Online truck driver safety training can help new drivers learn the best ways to combat fatigue while on the road. These classes may also educate them on the new emerging trends in the industry, while conveying CSA 2010 compliance standards.

According to the the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, nearly 93,000 injuries were attributed to large trucks and buses in 2009.

By Mark Priest

Drivers are urged to stay aware of fatigue

Thursday, March 31st, 2011