It’s no secret that long haul truck drivers and bus drivers can suffer from fatigue and drowsy driving. Pressures from delivery schedules and route selection often cause truck drivers to push the limits of the law when trying to make a delivery on time. However, while these types of drivers are often the most thought of when it comes to dangerous, drowsy driving, other professions also are at risk for the dangers of drowsy driving.

According to Stephanie Pratt, the coordinator of the NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety, drowsy driving “is a risk that anybody can suffer. It is not necessarily a matter of your being sleep-deprived for years on end. If you just haven’t had enough sleep in the last 24 hours, you’re still going to be drowsy no matter how well you slept in the past two weeks.” According to Pratt, drowsy driving affects many non-professional drivers in oil and gas, home health care, sales, shift work and other areas.

According to the NTSB, driver fatigue may contribute to more than 100,000 car accidents a year and a report from the AAA foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that at least 6,000 drowsy-driving crashes a year result in at least on fatality.

According to Pratt, the oil and gas industry is vulnerable to drowsy driving because workers often work extended shifts and make long trips to and from worksites. NIOSH plans to survey gas and oil workers in the future about commuting behaviors.

In order to combat drowsy driving, employment experts recommend employers develop fatigue management policies. These types of polices could include

· Worker training about the risks of drowsy driving;

· Structured napping programs during parts of the work shift to combat fatigue; and

· Providing safer travel options for workers to remote worksites.

Drowsy driving is dangerous and is the cause of many car accidents and injuries every year. With drowsy driving becoming more and more of an issue, hopefully policies will be implemented to ensure the safety of both employees and those travelling on our roadways.

Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.

  • Taylor Downs was easy to talk to (I do not speak the legal language well!) and was very upfront and honest about the entire process of my case. He kept me updated as the case progressed, and answered my relentless questions. The end result was a favorable settlement that I’m not sure could have been any better with anyone else. In short, go see Taylor if you have a case. Don’t be intimidated to go seek his help, he won’t blow your brains out with “legal speak”.

    - PAUL MOUSER

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    - DAWN FRISENDA

  • If I ever have to go through it again I would definetly call Taylor right away. The group was so helpful through my situation and handled everything that needed to be done. They made a stressful situation a stress free situation. With Taylor you dont have to worry about one thing. Definietly would recomend to anyone.

    - TAYLOR G.

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    - NOAH SCHUMAKER

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Manchin Injury Law Group, Took care of me when I got into a car accident while I was pregnant. Very scary moment for a first time mom but thankfully Manchin Injury Law Group had my back and treated me great. They made me feel as if I was part of their family. My son is now 7 Months Old and very happy and healthy. I’m very thankful for them for helping me through everything and getting me what we deserved. I 100% would recommend them to anyone. If I ever have an accident again they will be my number 1 phone call!

    - SHAWNNA SHAFFER.

  • The support given helped me to feel like I was included in my personal injury case every step of the way. I was informed about the entire process throughout. It was amazing how quick the turn around time was and I would definitely recommend Attorney Timothy J. Manchin to anyone!

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Taylor and Kelly worked hard on my case so I didn’t have to. Thanks guys!

    - TERRI L. ARMENTROUT

  • Excellent experience dealing with Manchin Injury Law. They were very responsive, professional and easy to talk to. I did my homework before I hired a lawyer after my accident and I am so glad I found Manchin Injury Law Group. If you are injured, give them a call!

    - VILLA COVENANTS

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - CHAD BILOTTA

  • Kelly and Taylor did all the hard work so that I didn’t have to. They both cared about my circumstance and got me a nice settlement. Taylor knows what he is doing and I felt comfortable with my case in his hands.

    - JASON + STACIE MORGAN

  • Great lawyers. They helped me with a West Virginia case.

    - JOSEPH SAUNDERS

  • Such a great experience with Taylor and this firm. Thankful for their diligence and their work on our case. Thank you to all!

    - RENEE FLORENCE WARNER

  • Had a easy and smooth experience with a great attorney so when you go there make sure you ask for Taylor.

    - TIM CROSS

  • My experience at the Manchin Injury Law Group was extremely positive, and I would recommend them to anyone who needs a compassionate and experienced lawyer on their side.

    - TAMMY LACARIA

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