Are Supply Chain Issues Negatively Impacting Driver Safety?

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• Supply chain constraints are starting to fill U.S. roadways with semitrucks.
• Truckers often work long hours to keep up with demand, leading to drowsy driving.
• You can lower risks by staying alert, by not texting behind the wheel, and by not driving while angry, stressed, or impaired.

The supply chain is a complex web of transportation, production, and distribution that links factories with consumers. As the global economy becomes more reliant on just-in-time delivery, the supply chain faces increased pressure to move goods quickly and effectively.

The recent driver shortage, however, has uncovered issues with lean manufacturing that impact American citizens. With truckloads of goods getting stranded at ports, shippers have a tough time spacing out shipments. This causes the remaining truckers to double up on routes, leading to delays and dangerous situations on American roads.

How Do Supply Chain Issues Affect Drivers?

The transportation of goods by truck is a vital part of the supply chain, and the demand for shipping has only increased in recent years. Coupled with issues from the COVID-19 pandemic, this increase in demand has put a strain on the transportation of goods and has negatively impacted the well-being of many in the shipping workforce.

Those with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) must comply with hours of service regulations, but some truckers work longer hours to meet company demands. With supply chain constraints and a decrease in the trucking workforce, the issue hasn’t gotten much better since the peak of the pandemic. When tired truckers remain behind the wheel, it can lead to dangerous situations.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were over 4,479 fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2019. Another 114,000 large truck crashes across the U.S. led to injuries. Considering these statistics, it’s a good idea for drivers to shop for car insurance policies that cover both their medical