Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
Fort Lauderdale truck accidents can be caused by a number of factors, including mechanical problems, driver errors, poor road design, and even the weather. However, there is a growing number of experts who believe that driver health can be a serious risk when it comes to Fort Lauderdale traffic accidents as well. Drivers who are overweight and obese are at an increased risk to develop many types of conditions that can be dangerous behind the wheel:
1) Sleep Apnea. Sleep apnea sufferers stop breathing momentarily in their sleep and may therefore wake up repeatedly throughout the night. Those who have sleep apnea are likely to experience extreme fatigue during the day, even when they do sleep. This makes them extremely dangerous as drivers, as they can drift off or fall asleep behind the wheel.
2) Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes sufferers need to watch what they eat and need to maintain a good blood sugar level, usually by using insulin. Diabetes sufferers are prone to dizziness and other symptoms when their blood sugar is not regulated. For a truck driver, a bout of dizziness or loss of consciousness can cause a devastating Fort Lauderdale traffic accident.
3) Heart problems. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, blocked arteries, heart attacks, heart failure, and other cardiac-related problems. Unfortunately, if someone suffers from a cardiac event while driving, the results can be devastating. In the future, there may be technology in place to prevent this type of situation. Toyota, for example, is designing a steering wheel that has a built-in electrocardiogram (ECG) which will be able to detect arrhythmia and heart attacks in drivers. The steering wheel will have contact sensors that will be in contact with the driver’s hands to detect any abnormal rhythm. The data would be displayed on the navigation screen in the car. Ford is also reportedly working on a car seat with a heart monitor. It is not yet known when either car manufacturer will make these features available in trucks and cars. In the meantime, it is up to drivers to maintain their health and to control any chronic health conditions.
4) Strokes. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, which in turn can put a patient at an increased risk of strokes. Even a minor stroke can leave a driver confused and unable to drive a car. A serious stroke will generally affect motor skills and will cause a sufferer to lose consciousness. If this happens on the road, a Fort Lauderdale car accident is the result.
Unfortunately, a truck driver’s job can make them susceptible to obesity and weight gain. Truck drivers lead a sedentary lifestyle, sitting down to drive. In many cases, they work long hours which may not permit them to exercise often. In addition, truck drivers are often on the road, which means they may end up eating fast food and not having access to a gym. Today, many truck drivers are aware of the risks and many are taking steps to lead healthier lifestyles. However, the nature of the job does mean that drivers have to work a little harder to lead healthier lives.
If you have been injured in a Fort Lauderdale truck accident, contact the Flaxman Law Group to arrange a no-cost, no obligation consultation to discuss your options and your future. Florida law may qualify you for more compensation than you realize, so get the facts before you make any decisions about your case.