Highway Hypnosis: How It Increases The Risks Of Atlanta Truck Accidents
Truck drivers often cover hundreds of miles on Georgia’s interstates and highways without a break. While federal regulations limit driving hours, fatigue remains a problem and frequently plays a role in Atlanta truck accidents.
One of the most overlooked but dangerous effects of fatigue is an increase in highway hypnosis. In this trance-like state, the driver continues operating their vehicle but has limited awareness of their surroundings. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain how highway hypnosis increases crash risks among truckers and how trucking companies can be liable.
What Is Highway Hypnosis and Why Is It So Dangerous?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), highway hypnosis happens when a driver zones out during long, monotonous stretches of road. Once they enter this state, it can cause them to lose track of time and their surroundings, even though they may continue steering and operating the vehicle.
Truck drivers are particularly susceptible to highway hypnosis, which increases the risk of Atlanta truck accidents. Common situations in which it can occur include:
- When a trucker is on the road for extended periods;
- When they are already fatigued from pulling too many shifts;
- When driving at consistent speeds for long stretches without interaction;
- In low-light or repetitive visual environments, such as long, empty highways.
Highway hypnosis mirrors the effects of falling asleep at the wheel, making it a serious safety issue. When a truck accident in Atlanta happens as a result, it can impact multiple other motorists on the road.
Holding Those At Fault Liable For Highway Hypnosis-Related Truck Accidents in Atlanta
FMCSA commercial vehicle regulations limit hours of service for truckers with the goal of preventing fatigue-related truck crashes. However, trucking companies often push drivers to meet tight delivery deadlines or fail to enforce rest breaks. When this happens, they may be liable for resulting crashes.
Unfortunately, proving highway hypnosis was responsible for an Atlanta truck accident is often challenging. Evidence we look for to support your claim includes:
- Driver logs or electronic logging device (ELD) data showing extended hours or violations;
- Surveillance or dash cam footage indicating inattentive driving behavior;
- Black box (ECM) data showing a lack of braking or corrective action before the crash;
- Witness testimony describing erratic or delayed responses;
- Medical records or toxicology reports that rule out other impairment causes.
Injured in an Atlanta Truck Accident? Contact Shiver Hamilton, LLC
If you or someone you love is injured in an Atlanta truck accident and you suspect that highway hypnosis, fatigue, or distracted driving played a role, reach out to Shiver Hamilton, LLC. We gather the evidence needed to hold negligent truckers and trucking companies accountable for dangerous behavior and fight for the maximum compensation in your claim.
Our office helps clients throughout Atlanta, Roswell, Decatur, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Savannah, St. Simons Island, DeKalb County, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer.
Sources:
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9920901/
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-of-service
