Decision Fatigue: The Effects of Low Clearances and Weigh Stations on Truck Drivers

The trucking industry has a lot of challenges, like strict rules and tough driving conditions. Weigh stations and low-clearance areas are two big problems that put a ton of pressure on drivers, forcing them to make quick, important decisions that can have serious consequences.

We're going to take a look at some recent data, practical solutions, and real-world examples to show you that these problems aren't just about making operations run smoother.

Weigh Stations: More Than Just a Stop

Weigh stations are there for a reason: to ensure trucks comply with weight regulations and keep roads safe. But let’s be honest: for drivers, they’re often a headache. Planning routes around weigh station locations is one thing, but dealing with unexpected delays is another story altogether. Long lines, broken scales, or administrative holdups can throw a wrench into even the best-laid plans.

A 2025 study by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) found that nearly 8 out of 10 drivers feel stressed when they hit weigh station congestion.

And it’s not hard to see why. When you’re already juggling delivery deadlines and Hours of Service (HOS) rules, every minute counts. Do you wait it out and risk being late? Or do you take a detour, potentially running into unfamiliar roads or other hazards? Over time, this leads to decision fatigue, where judgment becomes clouded and reaction times slow.

And then there’s the financial side of things. Late deliveries mean penalties, while rerouting can jack up fuel costs and eat into already slim profit margins. For drivers working on tight budgets, these added pressures only pile onto the stress.

Low Clearances: A Game of Inches

Navigating low-clearance bridges requires constant focus. Drivers need to stay alert for warning signs and be ready to adjust their routes on the fly. This kind of vigilance takes a toll, especially when combined with other stressors like weigh station delays. And if an accident does happen, the costs can be staggering. Repairs to damaged vehicles, infrastructure, and cargo can run into thousands of dollars, not to mention legal penalties and insurance claims.

Even with modern GPS systems, mistakes happen. Outdated maps, incorrect load height calculations, or simply missing a warning sign can spell disaster.

A 2024 report by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) found that nearly 2.5% of all truck accidents in urban areas involve low-clearance collisions. Many of these crashes happen because drivers misjudge clearance heights or fail to notice warning signs - errors that become more likely when fatigue sets in.

It’s no wonder that low-clearance areas are a major source of anxiety for drivers. One miscalculation can derail an entire trip, not to mention put lives at risk.

The Double Whammy: Weigh Stations Meet Low Clearances

Let’s say you’re delayed at a weigh station, watching the clock tick closer to your deadline. To make up time, you decide to take an alternate route - only to find yourself staring down a low-clearance bridge. Or maybe you miscalculate a clearance height and have to reroute, only to stumble upon another weigh station you weren’t planning for.

When DOT weigh station locations and low-clearance areas cross paths on the same route, the stress compounds. Drivers are forced to make rapid, high-stakes decisions, often without enough time to think them through. Over time, this cycle of stress and fatigue takes its toll.

A 2025 study published in Transportation Research, Part F, found that drivers exposed to multiple stressors, like weigh station delays and low-clearance warnings, experienced a 40% spike in cortisol levels.

High cortisol impairs focus, slows reaction times, and increases the likelihood of accidents. Chronic exposure to these stressors also raises the risk of long-term health issues, including heart disease and depression. But the impact goes beyond physical health. Drivers facing these challenges often report feeling burned out, anxious, and less satisfied with their jobs. That’s bad news for individual drivers and the industry as a whole.

Why This Matters

The connection between weigh stations and low-clearance areas is clear: they create a feedback loop of stress and decision fatigue. Each factor alone adds complexity to a driver’s day, but together, they amplify risks and make it harder to stay sharp.

For instance, a driver stressed by weigh station delays might overlook a low-clearance warning sign, leading to a crash. Or a driver navigating a low-clearance zone might miss a weigh station entirely, resulting in fines or penalties. Repeated exposure to these stressors chips away at confidence and morale, creating a culture of anxiety within the industry.

Breaking this cycle isn’t just about making life easier for drivers - it’s about improving safety for everyone on the road.

Solutions Worth Exploring

So, what can be done? Addressing the dual challenges of weigh stations and low-clearance areas requires a combination of smarter infrastructure, advanced technology, and stronger support for drivers.

For instance, upgrading weigh station infrastructure through automation and weigh-in-motion systems could significantly reduce delays. Real-time traffic updates and dynamic signage can also help drivers avoid congestion and navigate low-clearance zones more effectively. On the technological front, innovations like predictive analytics and AI-powered routing systems hold immense potential. Tools such as Trucker Guide already integrate data from weigh stations and clearance databases, minimizing delays and reducing the risk of errors.

However, technology alone isn’t enough. Supporting drivers’ mental health and well-being is equally important. To better assist truck drivers in managing job-related stress, companies can foster a relaxed and open environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their concerns. Additionally, companies can provide access to counseling services and promote a healthy work-life balance.

Broader Implications

The challenges posed by weigh stations and low-clearance areas extend beyond individual drivers, impacting fleet operations, supply chain efficiency, and public safety. Accidents caused by decision fatigue or stress-related errors disrupt supply chains, cost companies money, and endanger lives.

For fleet operators, tackling these issues is essential. Reducing stress and decision fatigue among drivers can lead to better performance, fewer accidents, and happier customers. Plus, investing in driver well-being fosters loyalty and reduces turnover, which is a persistent problem in the trucking world.

The government needs to step up and do more. Public-private partnerships could play a key role in developing solutions that benefit both drivers and the broader community. For example, government funding for smart infrastructure projects could accelerate the adoption of advanced clearance detection systems and automated weigh-in-motion technologies.