How Can Driver Fatigue Lead to Serious Car Accidents?
Driving is a daily necessity for many, but it comes with inherent risks, especially when fatigue enters the equation. The risks of driver fatigue are often underestimated, but driver fatigue significantly increases the likelihood of serious car accidents. How does that happen?
What Is Driver Fatigue?
Driver fatigue refers to the state of feeling tired, sleepy, or drowsy while operating a motor vehicle. It can impair your ability to react swiftly and make sound decisions on the road. Fatigue-related accidents are often serious due to delayed response times, decreased awareness, and compromised judgment of traffic conditions.
Fatigued driving impairs reaction time and judgment in similar ways to driving under the influence (DUI), although it does not get as much attention. A sleepy driver might show the same symptoms as someone who is driving under the influence, and the same unfortunate circumstances can follow.
What Causes Driver Fatigue?
Several factors contribute to driver fatigue. One primary cause is lack of sufficient sleep, which affects cognitive functions and slows reaction times. Additionally, the time of day plays a role, with increased drowsiness during late-night or early-morning hours.
Long hours of driving without breaks can also lead to mental and physical exhaustion. Underlying medical conditions such as sleep disorders or medication side effects can increase fatigue as well, yet people drive with these issues all the time.
How Does Driver Fatigue Affect Driving Ability?
Driver fatigue impairs driving ability in critical ways. It leads to decreased reaction times, making it difficult for fatigued drivers to respond promptly to sudden braking or swerving. Decision-making abilities become compromised, resulting in risky maneuvers or misjudgments of distances.
Fatigue also reduces watchfulness, causing drivers to overlook traffic signals, road signs, and potential hazards. Brief lapses in attention, known as microsleeps, can occur without the driver’s awareness, posing grave dangers on the road and increasing the risk of accidents.
What Are the Signs of Driver Fatigue?
Recognizing signs of driver fatigue is essential for preventing accidents. Look out for these red flags:
- Frequent yawning or blinking.
- Difficulty remembering the last few miles driven.
- Missing exits or traffic signs.
- Drifting out of the lane or onto the shoulder.
- Feeling irritable or restless.
How Can Drivers Prevent Fatigue-Related Accidents?
Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents. Getting sufficient sleep — ideally seven to nine hours — before embarking on a long drive is essential. Taking regular breaks every two hours or 100 miles to stretch, walk, and refresh can also help combat fatigue.
It is important to avoid alcohol and certain medications that can make you feel fatigued before driving. If possible, sharing driving responsibilities on long trips can help maintain alertness. Finally, if you see another driver exhibiting symptoms of DUI or fatigued driving, increase your distance; you may want to contact the authorities.
What Should You Do if You Are Injured in an Accident Caused by Driver Fatigue?
If you are injured in an accident caused by driver fatigue, these steps can protect your rights and help you work toward getting fair compensation:
- Call 911 and seek medical attention promptly.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Document the scene and injuries with notes and photos.
- Obtain contact information from witnesses.
- Request a copy of the police report.
- Call your insurance company, but refrain from discussing fault or signing documents without legal advice.
Contact the Alexandria Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King for a Free Consultation After a Motor Vehicle Crash
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by driver fatigue, seek trusted legal representation from the Alexandria car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. Call our Washington, D.C., National Harbor, MD, or Falls Church, VA, office at 202-331-1963 or use our online contact form for a free consultation. We serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.