More Joe, More Wrecks According to Recent Study: Trucking Related Injuries in Oregon Explained by our Portland 18 Wheeler Accident lawyer
Trucking related injuries in Oregon could be related to the overuse of caffeine by truckers. A 2020 study of U.S. drivers suggests that truck drivers who consume larger than normal amounts of caffeinated beverages while on the road had a greater likelihood of being in an accident than drivers who consumed no more than one cup of coffee per day. This past year, the federal government waived certain trucking hours regulations. While this may seem great for the economy, it means more and more truckers are turning to caffeine use and abuse in order to stay awake while driving. With over 2 million truckers on the road, this means a greater threat to other drivers sharing the road.
This is a concerning statistic that our Portland 18 wheeler accident lawyer wants to share with motorists in order to protect their rights to compensation under New Mexico law. This is because caffeine use can be difficult for a victim to detect after a trucking accident. This is why it is important for victims and their families to contact an experienced Oregon trucking accident lawyer to protect their rights to compensation under the law.
Caffeine is Just Masking Sleep Deprivation, And Fatigued Driving is Dangerous Driving
Researchers from the UK’s Loughborough University and Virginia Tech Transportation Institute’s Center for Truck and Bus Safety studied the connection between caffeine use and accidents. It is common industry practice to consume caffeine when feeling tired while driving. While truckers are already vulnerable to exhaustion because of pressures on the road, these waivers raise a huge concern, as “sleepiness more than doubles the risk of being involved in a crash” according to the study (Associations between high caffeine consumption, driving safety indicators, sleep and health behaviours in truck drivers’, June 2020 edition Safety Science).
Our Oregon Trucking Injury attorneys are experienced with how to best advocate for you or a loved one injured as the result of a drowsy driver. It may be difficult to determine at the scene if the driver was driving under unsafe conditions. That is why it is important to reach out to an experienced attorney if you or a loved one is the victim of a trucking injury.
How to Protect Yourself as a Driver on the Road to Avoid Trucking Related Injured in Oregon
Defensive driving is one of the most successful strategies to avoid collisions while driving.
- Look Ahead
While on the road, look as far in front of you as possible. Often times drivers are most concerned with the areas directly in front of them. While this area in front of your car is indeed a danger zone, looking ahead is the most effective way to prevent a collision because it gives you ample time to respond to anything in the path of your vehicle.
- Check Mirrors
Continuously check your rearview mirrors and sideview mirrors, alternating between them. This allows you to not only notice the vehicle in front of you, but be aware of others moving into and out of your lane.
- Be Mindful of Distractions
Not only should your eyes be on the road, but also off your devices and other distractions in your vehicle. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute noted that risk of collisions doubles when drivers were distracted. Among the most dangerous distractions are cell phones, reaching, touchscreens, and reading while driving as well as interacting with someone else while driving.
- Keep Your Distance
Inevitably, some things are out of your control while driving. One thing drivers can control is the distance between them and the vehicle in front of them. Commercial trucks require a greater distance and time necessary to reach a complete stop or slow down. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states that a fully loaded tractor trailer, in average conditions and at normal highway speeds, takes 200 years (the length of two football fields) to reach a complete stop.
- Rest As Needed and Often
Truck drivers are not the only drivers that pose a risk on the road when tired. Take breaks during long periods of travel and avoid driving while drowsy.
How an Oregon Trucking Attorney Can Help You After Trucking Related Injuries in Oregon
If you are a victim of injuries resulting from a trucking accident, you may not be sure if you have grounds for filing a claim against the driver and employer. Our experienced Oregon Trucking Injury Attorneys have the experience to best explain your options and present evidence against the driver and employer. We can help victims of trucking related injuries in Oregon recover compensation that they need and deserve.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of a trucking accident or collision contact the Oregon Truck Accident Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form. We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.
Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles, St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.
We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take Trucking accident cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.
Please act quickly, there is a limited time (Statute of Limitations) in which you can bring a claim under the law.
