Atlanta Drowsy Driving Truck Accidents: The Hidden Dangers of Daylight Saving Time

Drowsy driving increase the risks of traffic accidents in Georgia, particularly among truckers, as demanding schedules and long days and nights on the road make them vulnerable to fatigue. Unfortunately, when a truck accident in Atlanta happens, it can have deadly impacts on other drivers.

The upcoming shift to daylight saving time (DST) makes drowsy driving crashes involving Georgia big rigs more likely to occur. Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain the risks and what to do if you or someone you love gets hurt.

How Daylight Saving Time Increases Drowsy Driving Truck Accidents In Atlanta

Daylight saving time is on March 9, 2025, when we’ spring forward’ and gain longer days but lose an hour of sleep. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) advises that this can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythms. Increased drowsiness is common for weeks after and increases the risk of accidents, which are particularly dangerous when they involve truckers.

Truck drivers work demanding schedules, long hours, and may struggle to adapt to the lost hour of sleep. Impacts this can have on their driving abilities that increase Atlanta truck accident risks:

• Slower reaction times;
• Impaired judgment;
• Nodding off or ‘microsleeps’;
• Vision impairment;
• Decreased situational awareness;
• Increased likelihood of drifting into other lanes.

Drowsy Driving Truck Accidents In Atlanta: The Risks And Your Legal Rights

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash reports show that drowsy driving claims the lives of nearly 700 people each year throughout the U.S. and leaves thousands of victims suffering severe injuries. However, as drowsy driving is difficult to detect and often goes unreported, the action numbers are likely much higher.

Be aware that drowsy driving truck accidents in Atlanta are common in the weeks after Daylight Saving Time and often happen at night or in the early morning. If you are involved in a crash and suspect drowsy driving is to blame, follow these tips:

• Call the police immediately;
• Get the name and contact information for the trucker, the company they work for, and other drivers involved;
• Document the scene via photos and videos and gather information on potential witnesses;
• Seek immediate medical care and follow your provider’s instructions;
• Contact our experienced Atlanta truck accident attorney: While you focus on your recovery, we fight to get you compensation.

To Protect Your Rights, Contact Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers Today

Daylight saving time may seem like a small change, but its impact on driver fatigue can be significant. Truck accidents in Atlanta become more common and can endanger the lives of innocent motorists nearby. If you or a loved one gets injured due to a fatigued truck driver, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Shiver Hamilton, LLC to get the compensation you deserve.

We serve clients in Savannah, St. Simons Island, Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and all of DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties. To protect your rights, request a consultation with our Atlanta truck accident lawyers today.

Sources:

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7954020/

nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving