You may have been injured in a truck accident here in Massachusetts and discovered that the trucker was drowsy behind the wheel. What with the long work days that truckers put in, it’s all too common that they would become drowsy. Unfortunately, some apparently make things worse by consuming high amounts of caffeine.
More coffee, more crashes
A U.K. expert on transportation safety, along with researchers at the Virginia Tech Transport Institute, conducted a study of some 3,000 truck drivers in eight states using questionnaires and medical reports. The drivers were divided into two categories: those who drink only one cup of coffee a day, and those who drink more than five cups a day.
Now, 21.6% of the first group admitted that they were in a crash in the previous three years. For the high coffee drinkers, it came to 27.8%. It should be noted that these 3,000 drivers were chosen from a pool of 11,000 because they fit the two categories that researchers had set up.
More caffeine linked with poor sleep
The study also found that the high coffee drinkers frequently admitted to poor sleep, diet and overall health. Many also reported that they smoked and drank more alcohol. Researchers say, though, that high amounts of caffeine for the short term can be acceptable.
There is, of course, no conclusive evidence that shows how high amounts of coffee cause more crashes. However, the study is unique in that it tries to detail the effect of coffee on actual drivers. These drivers were all told that their answers would not be reported to their employers, so one can feel confident that despite the limitations that come with self-reporting, the drivers were honest in their responses.
A lawyer for negotiations or litigation
The reality, though, is that a trucker injured you and you were not at fault. Truck crashes can often lead to personal injury claims, and to see if you can file one yourself, you may consult an attorney. The attorney may speak on your behalf at the negotiation table or in the courtroom.
