When people think of unsafe driving practices, they may automatically think about things like drunk driving. Those same individuals may not realize that fatigued driving can be just as dangerous.
Lack of sleep can have significant impacts on a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. By the time a person has gone without sleep for 20 hours, the effects on their driving are similar to those of a person who is legally impaired with a blood alcohol concentration of .08%. Some of these effects include slowed reaction time and an inability to make logical decisions.
Fatigue goes beyond lack of sleep
While lack of sleep is a primary concern when it comes to fatigued driving, there are also other factors that may have a role in it. These include things like medical conditions and taking medications. People who work overnights or swing shifts are also at an increased risk of driving while they’re fatigued. Even driving on familiar roads can lead drivers to “zone out” while they’re behind the wheel.
Microsleeps are an effect that may affect fatigued drivers
Microsleeps are another issue that fatigued drivers may face. These are short periods of sleep that can last a few seconds or longer. During this time, the driver isn’t paying attention to the road, so crashes can occur. If a driver dozes off for five seconds while they’re traveling 55 miles per hour, the vehicle goes the full length of a regulation football field without being controlled.
Fatigued driving crashes can lead to catastrophic injuries that require emergency medical attention, which can be costly. Those victims may decide to seek compensation for the financial damages they’re dealing with. These cases can be complex, so working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial.