West Virginia residents may be aware that many commercial vehicle accidents are caused by distracted driving. However, fatigue may also be a major factor that could result in accidents. Further, the location of rest stops could also have an impact on where fatigue-related accidents are more likely to occur.

The study conducted an analysis of CMV crash data in Kentucky between 2005 and 2014. Researchers found that there were more than 7,500 crashes in which the commercial driver was found to be at fault. Of these incidents, 284 had driver fatigue as a factor. When the researchers took a closer look at interstates and parkways that had a rest area, it was found that crashes that had fatigue as a factor were two-and-a-half times more likely to take place when rest stops were between 20 and 40 miles away from the crash site. When rest areas were more than 40 miles away, crashes were nearly seven times more likely to occur.

The results of the study suggest that there is a need for more truck parking on trucking routes. Further, the rest areas that are available should be expanded for trucks. Finally, building new rest areas could help reduce the number of fatigue-related accidents.

When large commercial vehicles cause accidents, occupants of other vehicles are at risk for suffering serious harm. Depending on the severity of the semi truck accident, the injuries could require lengthy periods of medical care and treatment. If it was determined that the truck driver was at fault for causing the crash, a personal injury attorney can often be of assistance in seeking compensation for the losses that have been incurred.