Virginia State Police say fatigued driving is the cause of many accidents on the highway.

On Wednesday, drivers of commercial trucks had to go through special checkpoints to make sure they weren't putting their lives, or the lives of anyone else, at stake.

On Wednesday and Thursday, troopers are inspecting commercial trucks and their drivers for safety violations.

They are checking parts of the truck to make sure there's no problems and also log books of the drivers to make sure they aren't going over the time limits they can spend on the road.

It isn't the first time VSP has had the checkpoints, but after the fatal tour bus crash on Interstate 95 last week, Trooper Frank Pyanoe says drivers might view fatigued driving differently.

"For one, it will raise awareness among the traveling public to avoid fatigued driving when possible, and to share driving responsibilities," explains Pyanoe. "In terms of enforcement, it's already been stepped up. We've always been proactive when it comes to eradicating fatigued and aggressive driving."

He adds drivers can avoid the dangers of fatigued driving by simply taking a break whenever they're feeling tired and stopping at a rest area or exit.

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