Like many people, you may reach for a cup of coffee or another type of caffeinated beverage to help you feel more awake. If you drive a lot, you may depend on caffeine to help you stay alert while you are behind the wheel. This is common with Massachusetts truck drivers, many of whom drink copious amount of caffeine because they spend hours on the road.
Caffeine affects people in many different ways, and it may not help as much as one might think. In fact, studies find that the truck drivers who drink excessive amounts of caffeinated beverages are more likely to be involved in accidents. There are many reasons why truck accidents happen, and there may be many ways to combat this problem. Relying on certain types of chemicals and beverages is likely not one of them.
Are caffeinated truck drivers dangerous?
Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road. Many of them do not get paid until they deliver a load, so they may feel pressure to keep driving. This happens quite often despite regulations regarding how long they can drive without breaks and time off. Many of them do not get adequate sleep at night. Contrary to what one might think, overly caffeinated truck drivers may be more dangerous than many assume. Consider these facts:
- Those who drank excessive caffeine reported feeling sleepier yet getting shorter amounts of sleep each night.
- Overly caffeinated truckers may be more prone to aggressive driving and reckless choices.
- These truckers are more likely to be involved in truck accidents than those who do not drink excessive amounts of caffeine.
These facts apply to those who drink the equivalent of five or more cups of coffee in a day. Most people drink caffeine, and this is not necessarily dangerous. However, there is evidence that getting behind the wheel of a semitrailer while overly caffeinated could be.
Victims of truck accidents
If you are the victim of a truck accident, it is possible you are suffering because of the negligent or reckless choices of a fatigued trucker. An assessment of your case can help you understand what options may be available to you and how you can move forward with the appropriate legal action. Through a civil claim, you may be able to recover your losses and secure appropriate compensation for your pain and suffering.
