Semi-truck drivers have worked harder than ever this last year. They have had to cover for sick colleagues and meet increased demand from shops and the public. They have had to do so while many truck stops and cafes are closed. When you look at this more closely, what it means is that the roads are full of truckers who were tired, overworked and under pressure.
Trucks are the most dangerous vehicles on the road
Of all the vehicles you could be hit by, a semi-truck is the worst. Due to their sheer size and weight, they are likely to cause you far more damage than any other vehicle. They are also more likely to be blown over by the wind, harder to overtake and have more blind spots than smaller vehicles.
Truckers need to be in optimal conditions to drive
Because trucks have such a potential for harm, their drivers need to be more alert and ready to drive than anyone else on the road. Yet, a series of recent government decisions have reduced the safety measures that govern trucking. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) introduced permanent rule changes in September. These permit truck companies to make drivers work longer hours with fewer breaks. The FMCSA has also extended the emergency measure introduced last March, which exempts many trucker drivers from the rules altogether when delivering certain items.
Trucking unions are against the measures. They know it poses a threat to the safety of their members and other road users. If hit by a semi-truck, you could face extensive injuries resulting in time off work and large medical bills. Even if you make a good recovery, you might be affected by pain or reduced mobility for years to come.
