Drivers in Pennsylvania have to deal with all kinds of different driving behaviors making an appearance on the roadways. Some are more dangerous than others, and some impact certain groups more than others.
For example, truck drivers and the trucking industry in general is rife with issues related to drowsy driving. This is quickly becoming one of the most dangerous but common driving behaviors out there.
Prevalence of fatigue in truckers
When drivers engage in drowsy driving, it means they get behind the wheel without having had enough rest beforehand. This can be dangerous for a number of reasons, but one of the biggest risk factors is that it is a relatively common and almost acceptable thing to do.
In particular, this phenomenon can be risky when it presents in truck drivers. A trucker’s delivery schedule is rigorous. In many cases, employers can inadvertently reward truck drivers for engaging in somewhat or very dangerous behaviors, by giving incentives for them to get as many deliveries done in a shift as possible. This causes drivers to push themselves and drive even when they should be resting, potentially leading to serious accidents.
The impact of drowsy driving
Drowsy driving is actually one of the more common causes of crashes among drivers. It ranks right up there with distracted driving and driving while under the influence. It affects many of the same aspects of driving as these other impairments. For example, drowsy drivers have slower reaction times and a reduced ability to solve problems, and tend to notice dangers after they are able to react to them properly.
The biggest danger of drowsy driving, however, is the fact that it is so widespread. Many people think it is okay to drive when they are tired because “everyone does it” or because they have places they feel they need to be. This can in turn end up endangering not only their own lives but the lives of people around them.
