Every truck driver is required to have a log book. The log book:

• Must be in the truck driver’s own handwriting
• Details all activities within each 24-hour period, for example hours of driving and hours of rest periods
• Includes information on breakdowns, delays, inclement weather

Trucking companies are required to maintain supporting information that can verify that log books are complete and accurate. In some cases truck drivers have been shown to have two copies of their log books, one that makes it appear they are following Hours-Of-Service regulations, and one that details the true hours they have been driving.

Drug Use to Combat Fatigue

Some truck drivers have turned to methamphetamines to allow them to stay awake longer so that they are able to drive further. Methamphetamines trigger effects much like a fight or flight response including higher heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Continual use of the drug with little or no sleep leads to extreme agitation and paranoia.

Even with Hours-Of-Service regulations, fatigue continues to be a leading factor in large truck accidents. Part of the blame should be on trucking companies for subjecting drivers to unreasonable delivery times. The truck drivers are also responsible for consciously deciding to ignore the regulations, drinking while intoxicated or even using methamphetamines to stay awake for extreme periods of time.

This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact an attorney in your local area for more information about truck accidents.