Anyone who is going to be out on the roads needs to ensure that they are in the proper condition to drive. One thing that they must do is get enough sleep before they operate the vehicle.
But, lack of sleep isn’t the only thing that can lead to driver fatigue — and far too many drivers don’t realize that they’re overly fatigued and shouldn’t be behind the wheel of a car until it’s too late.
What factors may lead to driver fatigue?
Lack of sleep is obviously one cause of fatigue, but others include trying to drive when you’d normally be asleep and having to deal with monotonous tasks. People who work swing shifts and overnight shifts are more likely to have excessive fatigue than those who work the first shift.
Sometimes, medical conditions or medications can lead to a person being too fatigued to drive. Even common cold medications can make a driver unexpectedly sleepy, especially when taken along with certain prescriptions.
How does fatigue impact drivers?
People who don’t get enough sleep can have slowed reaction times and may not make good decisions. They may fall asleep at the wheel. In only five seconds, a vehicle can move the length of a regulation football field if it’s going 55 mph. That’s a lengthy distance for a driver to go if they fall asleep.
It’s little wonder, then, that fatigued driving poses a major hazard on our roadways.
Individuals who are struck by a fatigued driver may need considerable medical care. If you’ve been injured in a car wreck with a tired driver, you can pursue a claim for compensation to help cover your medical bills and other losses. These damages can include things like medical care costs, lost wages and similar financial burdens. Speak to an experienced advocate as soon as possible.
