How the NFL May Impact Trucking Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, fatal accidents involving large trucks rose by nine percent in 2017. This includes an increase of almost six percent for tractor trailers, while other trucks rose by a shocking 18.7 percent. The increase is troubling because there was a decline in fatal accidents for almost every other category. It is also worrisome, because of the increased danger that trucks present to other motorists on the road.

Trucking accidents are traumatic events. If you’ve been injured in a collision and are unsure of where to turn, the Texas truck accident lawyers at Begum Law Group Injury Lawyers can help. To schedule a free case evaluation with The Law Giant, contact us today at (866) 523-4167.

Analytics Paint an Interesting Picture

Lytx, a San Diego-based company, partners with various commercial trucking companies across the country. They equip trucks with various sensors, including video cameras, in order to study drivers’ behaviors. This aims to save lives and reduce claims. As a result, they have access to a massive amount of data that can shed light on the surrounding circumstances and hopefully identify the causes of truck crashes.

Monday Night Football Followed by Tuesday Morning Truck Accidents

Based on data collected from January to September of 2018, Lytx identified some interesting truck accident trends. Accidents caused by driver error and drowsy driving were highest on Tuesdays. On Tuesdays from the end of August through December, accidents were 170 percent more likely than Tuesdays on the rest of the year. As a result, the correlation between Monday Night Football and an increase in truck crashes on Tuesdays seem to be more than just a coincidence.

Late Nights and Early Morning

With games not starting until 7 p.m. and lasting several hours, the correlation between trucking accidents and Monday Night Football is not that surprising. Many people go out to watch the game, so they return home at 11 p.m., and sometimes later. The late means that they wind up with a poor night’s rest and fewer hours of sleep than normal when they get up early to get to work.

Drowsy Driving

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that those who don’t get enough sleep and commercial truck drivers are among those most likely to drive while drowsy. Based off these statistics, truck drivers who hit the road after Monday Night Football appear to fall into both categories.

Drowsy driving is extremely dangerous since falling asleep for even a second can result in a serious accident. However, falling asleep at the wheel isn’t the only danger of this type of driving. Being drowsy while operating a vehicle can also result in the following hazards:

• Slowed reaction time, making the danger of a crash increase
• Inability to make good decisions, such as proper lane changes or an adjustment in your speed
• Inability to pay full attention to the road and your surroundings

Contact The Law Giant for Help Today

Driving while drowsy is dangerous for the driver and everyone else on the road. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident caused by this type of behavior, you need someone to help you get the compensation you deserve. With offices in San Antonio, Laredo, Brownsville, and McAllen, Begum Law Group Injury Lawyers helps truck accident victims across the state of Texas. Our attorneys have the experience and skill to recover your losses and help you put your life back together.

To schedule a free, initial case consultation, contact us today at (866) 523-4167.