How Fatigue Contributes to Montana Truck Accidents

Fatigue is one of the most dangerous factors in trucking accidents. It slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and increases the risk of devastating crashes. In Montana, where highways stretch for miles with little traffic, drowsy drivers may not even realize they’re dozing off until it’s too late.

At Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, PLLP, our Montana truck accident attorneys know that fatigued truck drivers can cause devastating accidents on Montana roads. If you’ve suffered an injury due to a truck driving accident, we can help. Our legal team has been helping injured accident victims in Montana since 1978. Call us today at 406-442-7830 for a free consultation.

The Dangers of Truck Driver Fatigue

When a truck driver is exhausted, their ability to operate a vehicle safely diminishes. Fatigue affects the brain much like alcohol does—slowing reflexes, reducing concentration, and impairing decision-making. The longer a driver stays on the road without proper rest, the worse these effects become. Simple tasks, such as checking mirrors or maintaining a steady speed, become harder to manage. Reaction times slow, making it difficult to respond quickly to sudden changes in traffic, road hazards, or bad weather. The result? Missed road signs, drifting into other lanes, or failing to brake in time to avoid a collision—any of which can lead to a serious or even fatal accident.

Montana’s long, open highways make it even easier for drivers to slip into “highway hypnosis.” With miles of flat, empty roads and few visual cues to keep the brain engaged, fatigue can set in quickly. The monotonous landscape, combined with the hum of the engine and the steady motion of the truck, can lull a driver into a semi-conscious state. They may feel awake, but their awareness is dulled, and their reaction time is dangerously delayed. In this state, a driver might not notice a vehicle stopping ahead, a sharp curve in the road, or even their own truck drifting out of the lane until it’s too late to correct.

Why Truckers Drive While Fatigued

Despite the risks, truck drivers often feel pressured to keep driving even when they’re dangerously tired. Some common reasons include:

• Tight deadlines – Many trucking companies impose strict delivery schedules, pushing drivers to work long hours with minimal breaks.
• Financial pressure – Since truckers get paid by the mile, resting means losing money. Some drivers push through exhaustion to maximize their earnings.
• Long shifts and unpredictable sleep – Even with federal hours-of-service regulations in place, drivers may struggle to get adequate rest due to irregular schedules and difficulty sleeping in their trucks.

Who Is Responsible for Fatigue-Related Truck Accidents?

When a truck driver causes an accident due to exhaustion, the blame doesn’t always fall on them alone. Trucking companies, shippers, and even others in the industry may be responsible, especially if they ignore safety rules or pressure drivers to stay on the road too long.

Why Fatigue Matters in Liability

Studies show that being awake for 17 to 19 hours affects the brain, like having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%. After 24 hours without sleep, it’s similar to a BAC of 0.10%—which is over the legal driving limit in the U.S. This means a drowsy truck driver could be as impaired as someone driving drunk. If a tired trucker causes a crash, multiple parties could be held responsible, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and even shippers and freight brokers.

The Role of Hours of Service Regulations in Preventing Truck Driver Fatigue

To combat driver fatigue and reduce truck accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These rules set limits on how long truck drivers can be on the road before taking mandatory breaks. The goal is to prevent exhaustion-related crashes by ensuring drivers get adequate rest between shifts.

Key Hours of Service Rules

Under federal law, truck drivers must follow strict driving limits, including:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit – A driver can only drive for up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14-Hour Workday Limit – The total workday, including non-driving tasks like loading and fueling, cannot exceed 14 hours.
• 30-Minute Break Rule – Drivers must take a break of at least 30 minutes after 8 hours of driving.
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit – Drivers cannot exceed 60 hours of driving over 7 days or 70 hours over 8 days. They must take at least 34 consecutive hours off before restarting their workweek.

While these rules are designed to protect both truckers and other drivers, they aren’t always followed. Some trucking companies push drivers to meet tight deadlines, leading to violations of HOS rules. Others may pressure drivers to alter their logs or keep driving past legal limits to maximize deliveries.

How to Prove Fatigue Played a Role in Your Montana Truck Accident

To hold the right people accountable, investigators look at driver logs, GPS records, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and witness statements. If a trucking company encouraged unsafe practices or ignored warning signs of fatigue, they could face serious legal consequences.

For crash victims, proving fatigue-related negligence can help secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. More importantly, it can push the trucking industry to prioritize safety and prevent future accidents. If you suspect a truck driver was too tired to be driving safely, getting legal help can uncover the truth and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Call Our Montana Truck Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by driver fatigue, you don’t have to face this alone. Trucking companies and insurers may try to shift blame, but a thorough investigation can uncover driver logs, rest break violations, and other evidence that fatigue played a role.

An experienced Montana truck accident lawyer at Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, PLLP, can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and seek the compensation you deserve. Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering shouldn’t be your burden to bear. If you suspect fatigue contributed to your accident, don’t wait—reach out today. Call us at 406-442-7830 or fill out our confidential contact form.