Truck drivers operate the largest, most powerful, vehicles commonly found on United States roads and highways. Due to the massive sizes of these automobiles, truck drivers have a special responsibility to always operate their trucks in the safest manner possible. Due to the nature of trucking, in which truck drivers attempt to deliver goods as quickly as possible, there have been a number of notable trucking accidents over the years in which truck drivers have driven without getting sufficient sleep, causing them to lose focus and clarity and eventually crash.

Last week comedian Tracy Morgan, who rose to popularity for his role on the television show “30 Rock”, was severely injured in an automobile accident involving a Wal-Mart 18 wheeler. Reports indicate that the driver of the big three had not slept in at least 24 hours. The accident, which injured several and killed Morgan’s friend and fellow comedian, occurred when the truck driver failed to slow down in response to slowing traffic. If reports that the truck driver had been awake for over 24 hours prove true, this will mean that he was in violation of federal law at the time the accident occurred.

It is not wise or fair to imply that all truck drivers engage in the dangerous practice of driving while drowsy. However, without a doubt truckers who fall asleep at the wheel pose a significantly greater danger to the drivers around them than other automobile drivers do under similar circumstances. We encourage all Nebraska drivers to only drive when they are sure that they can safely operate their vehicles. This means only driving when well rested.

If you have been injured, or a loved one of yours has been killed, in an accident involving a truck in Nebraska, please call the Omaha truck accident attorneys of Harris & Associates at (402) 397-1200 or contact us online today.