Drivers should always ensure they’re well-rested before they get behind the wheel of their vehicle. When they don’t, innocent people on the road can suffer from catastrophic injuries if they’re struck by the fatigued driver.
One of the main issues with fatigued driving is that it can be prevented if drivers take proper steps before they drive. Unfortunately, some drivers think they’re able to drive safely even when they’re tired. The sad fact is that drowsy driving can have many of the same negative effects on driving as impairment.
Why is fatigued driving such a bad idea?
Fatigued driving can lead to the driver having much slower reaction times. This can mean they miss opportunities to avoid hazards. The problem becomes even more pronounced the longer the driver goes without sleep.
Some drivers who are fatigued will fall asleep for a few seconds at a time. These microsleeps can be deadly because of the long distances the vehicle can travel while the driver is asleep. In only five seconds, a vehicle can move the length of a football field if it’s going 55 miles per hour. During a microsleep, the vehicle isn’t being controlled at all during that time.
The only way a driver can avoid fatigued driving is to get adequate sleep and ensure other factors, such as medication, aren’t having a negative impact on their driving abilities. When they fail to do this, they can slam into innocent victims, who may opt to pursue a claim for compensation. Working with someone familiar with these matters is beneficial because these cases can be rather complex, and they’re bound by filing time limits set by state law.