Of course it can ultimately lead to falling asleep at the wheel. Sleep is a neurobiologic need. Sleeping is the most effective way to reduce sleepiness. Federal regulations allow drivers of large trucks to drive up to 16 hours a day. However, drivers under the regulations can compile 60 hours in less than five days by alternating the ten hours of maximum permitted continuous driving with the minimum eight hours off duty.
Surveys reveal that many drivers of large trucks violate the regulations on hours of service.
Studies also show that driver fatigue plays a role in large truck crashes, and that truck drivers are more likely to crash after many hours of driving. However, no test currently can quantify sleepiness at the crash site. It is likely to be serious. A single vehicle leaves the roadway. The driver is alone in the vehicle.