Most drivers remember that they must be well rested before they get behind the wheel of their vehicle. But with the busyness of today’s society, some don’t realize just how dangerous it is to drive while fatigued.
There comes a point when driving fatigued produces effects similar to those of a person who’s driving while impaired. By the time a person has gone without sleep for 18 hours, they have the same effects on their driving as a person who has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%, which is considered legally drunk.
What effects might a fatigued driver experience?
Fatigued drivers may have a reduced reaction time, which can increase their risk of getting into a crash. Additionally, their fine motor skills and gross motor skills may be affected. This can lead to them being unable to safely control the vehicle.
Another risk that comes with fatigue driving is microsleeps. These are short periods of dozing off that can last a few seconds or longer. The issue with microsleeps is that the entire time they’re asleep, the vehicle isn’t being controlled. If a microsleep lasts only five seconds, the vehicle can go the full length of a football field if the driver was traveling at 55 miles per hour. Serious crashes can occur within that distance.
Victims of fatigued driving crashes can often suffer serious injuries. This may result in the need for immediate medical care. In some cases, that care will be long-term, which can be costly. These victims may opt to pursue a claim for compensation against the fatigued driver. Working with someone familiar with these matters is often beneficial because these cases can be complex.
