Truckers in North Carolina know how prone they can be to drowsy driving. A Ball State University has looked at the percentage of working U.S. adults who get inadequate sleep and found an increase from 30.9% in 2010 to 35.6% in 2018. The study, which involved more than 150,000 working adults, was undertaken to find out which professions were most prone to sleep deprivation, and trucking was included among them.
More specifically, it was the transportation and material moving industry: In 2010, 32% of workers in this industry reported inadequate sleep (i.e., less than seven hours) whereas in 2018, the number was 41%. Though it is not as widespread as in the military and police force (50% of respondents) or the healthcare industry (45%), it was at the same level as those in production (41%).
Researchers found the highest increase in sleep deprivation among men (from 30.5% to 35.5%), African Americans (from 40.6% to 46.5%) and multiracial individuals (from 35.2% to 45.2%). Older adults, residents of the western United States and individuals who were widowed or divorced also saw an increase. Various factors are likely behind the rise. One would be the longer work hours, and another is the widespread use of smartphones and other technology that tend to keep users up at night.
Sleep-deprived truckers are a danger on the road. When they cause a collision, the occupants of the other vehicle involved could sustain serious injuries that require lengthy and expensive medical care and treatment. Victims might want to meet with an attorney to see what their legal options are.