Study Shows Caffeine Reduces Truck Accident Risks

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on April 12, 2013

Truck drivers who are fatigued from long hours of work are much more likely to cause injury accidents. According to a University of Sydney study, truck drivers who consume caffeine are 63 percent less likely to crash than those who do not. During the study, researchers interviewed approximately 500 drivers who have been in an accident and a comparable number of drivers who have not crashed in the past year. About 43 percent of drivers reportedly drank caffeine or took caffeine tablets to stay awake. The study found that those who consumed caffeine were less likely to crash.

It is important for all truck drivers to remember that the benefits of taking caffeine are short lived. Caffeine is only an effective way to treat fatigue for a brief period of time. Drivers who are experiencing fatigue should pull over and rest before returning behind the wheel. Truck drivers should also take regular breaks and adjust their work schedule to allow for adequate rest.

Why should truck drivers make sure they get enough rest? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that more than 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue every year. About 1,550 people are killed and 71,000 are injured annually because of drowsy driving. Studies suggest that being awake for 18 hours produces impairment equal to having a blood alcohol concentration of .05 and .10 after 24 hours without rest.

If you have been involved in a Washington truck accident, it is important that you have an experienced Seattle truck accident lawyer at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on your side who will fight for your rights and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your losses. Trucking firms usually have powerful defense lawyers on their side looking out for their best interests. A skilled Washington personal injury lawyer can help injured victims and families better understand their legal rights and options.