The body has a biological need for sleep. It is recommended that everyone get at least 7 hours of sleep every night. If a motorist does not maintain good sleeping habits it can be challenging to concentrate and make sound decisions while behind the wheel. Sometimes certain jobs require motorists to travel for many consecutive hours without rest, which could cause drivers to feel fatigued. Sleep deprivation can have the same debilitating effects as alcohol has on a motorist’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Drowsy driving is considered impaired driving because of the way it affects a motorist’s cognition. To avoid drowsy driving, motorists should maintain good sleeping habits and rest sufficiently before driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 800 fatalities and 50,000 injuries every year result from fatigued driving. In addition, fatigued driving was the cause of 328,00 crashes. If you have been injured in a car accident as a result of driver fatigue, contact a trusted Port St. Lucie Car Accident Lawyer who can help you seek monetary compensation for your economic and noneconomic damages.
How does fatigued driving lead to car accidents?
According to statistics, a motorist is three times more likely to be in a car accident if they are feeling fatigued. This is because the critical driving skills needed to safely and properly operate a vehicle are severely hindered by having an inadequate amount of sleep. Fatigued drivers often have slower reaction times to changing road conditions and hazards. Additionally, they have reduced motor skills which makes it difficult for them to control their vehicle. Drowsy driving also causes motorists to have reduced concentration and awareness. They are unable to focus on the primary task of driving and what’s happening around them. Driver fatigue can also cause a motorist to make poor decisions and drift into other lanes which could lead to serious accidents and injuries. As mentioned above, fatigued driving is impaired driving. Research shows that driving for more than 20 consecutive hours is the same as driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% (the legal limit). Fatigue behind the wheel can be caused by several factors, including driving for long periods, not getting enough sleep, and medications that cause drowsiness. Unfortunately, motorists that drive while fatigued are not only putting everyone else’s safety at risk but also their own. Motorists must have adequate rest before getting behind the wheel.
If you have been injured in a car accident due to a fatigued driver, it is important to take legal action as soon as possible. Proving a driver was fatigued at the time of the crash can be quite difficult. However, our experienced attorneys can help you investigate the circumstances of the accident as well as gather pertinent evidence to support your claim. Allow our firm to represent your interests today.
