Where Injured People Come First

Why shouldn’t anyone drive while they’re fatigued?

On Behalf of | Jun 18, 2024 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Driving safely means that a driver needs to be mentally and physically able to make decisions while their vehicle is moving. In today’s society, many people are on the go constantly. While staying busy is a good idea for some, it’s critical that anyone who’s going to drive makes sure they leave time for rest.

Trying to push through fatigue can make driving dangerous. One issue is that a driver may doze off while they’re behind the wheel. Microsleeps, which last only a few seconds, are possible. If a driver is going 55 miles per hour, they can travel the length of a football field in only five seconds. That’s a considerable distance for a vehicle to be in motion without being controlled by a driver.

Negative effects on driving abilities

Fatigue can cause negative effects on a driver’s abilities. By the time a driver has gone 20 hours without sleep, even if they weren’t driving that entire time, they’re dealing with effects that are akin to a person with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08%, which is legally intoxicated.

Drivers may experience a reduction in their ability to respond to hazards in the road. They may also have reduced physical abilities. Their hand-eye coordination, reflexes and cognitive abilities are all negatively affected by lack of sleep. Because of this, drivers should always ensure they’re rested before they start their journey. And, they should pull over and rest when they start to feel tired or show signs of fatigue, such as yawning frequently or blinking more than normal.

Fatigued driving contributes to many wrecks

Fatigued driving is a contributing factor in approximately one out of every five crashes in this country. For the victims of those crashes, injuries and their effects can have a profound impact on their financial state. By the time they pay medical bills and deal with a reduction of income because of being unable to work, they may have considerable damages.

Victims of another’s fatigued choices may opt to pursue a claim for compensation, which can hold a fatigued driver liable for financial damages related to the crash. Seeking legal assistance may help them to get their case together and filed within the time limit set by state law.