Drivers should ensure that they’re well-rested and in good shape to drive. When someone is too tired to drive safely, they should remain off the roads until they have a chance to get rest.
Some people don’t realize how dangerous it is to drive while fatigued. It may shock them to learn that there comes a point when lack of sleep will produce the same symptoms as alcohol for drivers. Once a person has been awake for 20 hours, they will experience effects that are the same as a person who has a blood alcohol concentration of .08%, which is legally drunk.
Lack of sleep isn’t the only cause of driver fatigue
While lack of sleep is a primary cause of fatigued driving, it’s not the only cause. People who are driving when the body would typically require sleep are also at risk of fatigue. This is common for workers who work third or swing shifts, as well as drivers who are out and about during a natural afternoon energy slump or overnight.
Certain medications and medical conditions can also lead to fatigued driving. Even common over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, can negatively impact the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Fatigued driving causes an estimated 328,000 crashes per year. Hundreds of those end in fatalities and thousands lead to injuries. People who are injured and those who have lost loved ones may opt to pursue a legal claim. The time for doing this is limited, so anyone in this position can likely benefit from having someone on their side who understands their case and applicable laws.