Drivers must be in the proper condition mentally and physically to safely operate their vehicles. While many people don’t think much about getting behind the wheel when they’re worn out, choosing to drive can have catastrophic consequences.
When a driver is fatigued, they may drive in an unsafe manner that puts themselves and others at risk. This can lead to serious crashes that result in injuries or even death.
1: Fatigue isn’t always caused by lack of sleep
While sleep deprivation is a major contributor to fatigue, it’s not the only cause. Long periods of mental or physical exertion, stress and even certain medications can lead to fatigue. This means that even if a person had a full night’s rest, they could still be at risk if other factors are draining their energy.
2: Fatigue can have similar effects on driving abilities as alcohol
Driving while fatigued can impair a driver’s reaction time, decision-making and overall driving ability, similar to the effects of alcohol. Studies show that being awake for 18 hours can have the same impact on driving as having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05%. After 24 hours, it’s similar to a BAC of 0.10%, which is above the legal limit.
3: Fatigue may lead to microsleeps
Microsleeps are brief episodes of sleep that last a few seconds. During a microsleep, a driver might close their eyes or nod off without realizing it, potentially leading to a crash. These episodes are particularly dangerous because they can occur without warning, even during the day or after drinking caffeine.
Anyone who suffers an injury because they were hit by a fatigued driver should ensure they get medical care for their injuries. They may opt to pursue a compensation claim from that driver to try to recover the financial damages they experienced because of the crash.
