Drivers should always be mentally prepared to operate a vehicle before they get behind the wheel. One factor that some might not think about before they drive is fatigue. Unfortunately, fatigued driving can lead to catastrophic crashes that cause serious injuries to innocent victims.
Lack of sleep is a primary cause of fatigued driving. The longer a person goes without sleep, the more intense the effects. At 18 hours without sleep, the person experiences the same effects as a person with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .05%. At 20 hours without sleep, the effects are the same as a person with a BAC of .08%.
Other causes of fatigued driving
There are many other causes of fatigue, all of which are just as preventable as fatigued driving that stems from a lack of sleep. Some of these causes include:
- Taking medications that cause drowsiness
- Having medical conditions that contribute to fatigue
- Driving at times when the body expects sleep
- Working third or swing shifts
Any driver who’s experiencing signs of fatigue, such as nodding off behind the wheel or frequent blinking, should get off the road as soon as possible. Fast fixes don’t work for these situations, so drivers shouldn’t turn to caffeine or similar measures to stay awake.
Fatigued drivers can have a slowed reaction time or doze off at the wheel, which can lead to a crash. Victims of those crashes may need immediate medical care. They might file a compensation claim to help recover those costs, but these cases can be complex. Working with an individual who’s familiar with these cases may be beneficial for the victims.