Construction Accidents: Truck Driver Falls Asleep and Closes Interstate; Driver Fatigue Common Problem

A semi-trailer was involved in a serious accident that closed two lanes of Interstate 75 in Houston County, Georgia for five hours. A semi-truck driver had fallen asleep very early in the morning around the 130 mile marker of northbound I-75, according to Stephanie Brady, an operator with the Georgia State Patrol. Brady said, “When he woke up, he over-corrected, left the road and went down an embankment.” The name of the driver was not initially available, and he was not hurt in the accident. The Georgia Department of Transportation extended a nearby construction project in order to repair damage done to the guardrail in the accident.

Tractor- Trailer Accident Closes Part of Interstate 75

Driver fatigue is a problem for all drivers, not just truck drivers. Many people think that driver fatigue means falling asleep. That is just one serious part of fatigue. Fatigue can take the form of tiredness, weariness or exhaustion, and can affect your driving long before you fall asleep. It causes reaction time to slow, affects your concentration and extends the amount of time it takes a driver to interpret and understand the traffic situation. There are a few tips that can help drivers avoid this problem. First, it is crucial that you get enough sleep before a long trip. Plan to drive during the day when you are typically awake. Also, try not to drive at times when you are naturally sleepy such as in the mid afternoon. Second, avoid large meals as they can make you especially drowsy. Third, keep the windows cracked, as it is easier to stay awake with a fresh, clean air blowing in the vehicle. Fourth, try to travel with another driver. Fifth, engage in conversation and listen to music to help you stay alert, but remember if you get too tired you won’t feel better until you get some rest. Finally, remember to avoid medication that could make you tired such as antihistamines, motion sickness pills, sleeping pill and other painkillers. Make sure to avoid using any medicine without checking the label to make sure it will not affect your level of alertness.