A driver who’s falling asleep at the wheel can’t operate their vehicle safely. This puts that driver and everyone else around them at risk of being involved in a crash.
Fatigued driving crashes can lead to catastrophic injuries. In some cases, those injuries may be fatal. Because of this, it’s critical that all drivers ensure that they are well-rested and in good condition to drive before they get behind the wheel.
Lack of sleep is only one cause of fatigued driving
Lack of sleep is the primary cause of fatigued driving. The impacts on a person’s driving abilities get worse as they lose more sleep. By the time a person has gone 20 hours without sleep, the effects on their driving abilities are the same as those of a person who has a blood alcohol concentration of .08%, which is legally impaired.
Another possible cause of fatigued driving is driving when the body’s Circadian rhythm would normally demand sleep. Most people have a natural energy dip at night and mid-afternoon. Because of their varied sleep schedule, swing-shift workers and third-shift workers often have the greatest chance of suffering from this cause of fatigued driving.
Taking medications that cause drowsiness, even over-the-counter options like antihistamines or prescription narcotics, can also lead to fatigued driving. Some medical conditions, including diabetes and sleep apnea, can do the same.
People who are struck by a fatigued driver will need medical care, which can be costly. They may opt to pursue a compensation claim to hold the liable driver accountable for the financial damages related to the crash. Working with someone who can assist with this matter may be beneficial and reduce the stress associated with the situation.
