Taxi drivers on the defensive after colleague caught sleeping at the wheel

DORVAL – Just one day after a photo surfaced depicting a taxi driver asleep at the wheel, it’s the talk of the town at Trudeau Airport.

Drivers have different theories about why their colleague was nodding off with a passenger in the car, but most are blaming the long hours they spend on the job.

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“He works very hard, he didn’t get a lot of rest, that’s why sometimes you see us sleeping in the airport,” said limousine driver Khalil Habbouche.

Many taxi drivers claim they’re forced to spend more hours behind the wheel to make the same amount of money, ever since Uber and other ride sharing companies have surfaced, leading some drivers to cross the line.

“I know my limits,” said Habbouche, while admitting accidents can happen. “We drive like 15 hours a day, we are not a mechanical machine we are human beings.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I know my limits," said Habbouche, while admitting accidents can happen. "We drive like 15 hours a day, we are not a mechanical machine we are human beings."

The Trudeau Airport Authority refused to comment on the case, but Quebec’s automobile insurance board (SAAQ) is reminding drivers about the dangers of driving while drowsy.

WATCH: Taxi driver asleep at the wheel 

2:59 EXCLUSIVE: Taxi driver asleep at the wheel

It’s almost as dangerous as speeding or driving under the influence and the only way to avoid being tired while driving is to pull over and find a safe place to rest according to experts.

“It’s the cause of about 20 percent of deadly accidents,” said Gino Desrosiers of the SAAQ.

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“Professional drivers like truck drivers and taxi drivers need to be extra vigilant.”

Many taxi drivers at Trudeau Airport are in favour of an industry overhaul, including limiting working hours.

“Some drivers take chances and work long hours, that’s a problem,” said Vasseleos Tsiaboures, a taxi driver with 42 years experience. “When I feel tired, I go home.”