According to NTSB Board Member Deborah Hersman,

“Fatigue in transportation presents unnecessary risks to the traveling public. Fatigue can impair a person behind the wheel or at the helm much like alcohol or other drugs. We must ensure that as much as possible is being done to protect our transportation system from the insidious effect of human fatigue.”

For a long time now the NTSB has included fatique and hours-of-service on their Most Wanted List of highway safety improvements.  It is the intent of the Board to continue to work with all members of the transportation industry to study the effects of fatique, rest requirements and driver alertness to prevent future injuries and death.

The Florida Highway Patrol just concluded its investigation of more than a dozen crashes involved in the incident.  Smoke from a controlled fire by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission the day before made worse by a shift in the winds covered the roadway and made it extremely difficult to see.  The traffic citations were issues because the FHP investigation showed the drivers failed to drive their vehicles in a careful and prudent manner given the road conditions. 

As Central Florida’s auto accident attorneys, we are currently handling cases related to this incident.  If you or someone you know has been injured in this incident, you should have experienced attorneys who have investigated this incident working for you.  Contact one of our attorneys for a free consultation.