Fatigued Driving Accident Lawyer

What Makes Drowsy Driving So Dangerous?

Drowsy driving is dangerous for several reasons, including:

Decreased Alertness

When a driver is drowsy, their alertness, attention, and reaction time are significantly impaired. This means they are less likely to notice potential hazards on the road or react quickly to avoid accidents.

Impaired Judgment

Drowsiness can impair a driver’s judgment, leading them to make poor decisions while behind the wheel. They may underestimate risks, overestimate their ability to drive safely, or engage in risky behaviors such as speeding or tailgating.

Reduces Cognitive Function

Microsleep

Drowsy drivers may experience brief episodes of microsleep, where they fall asleep for a few seconds without realizing it. During these microsleeps, the driver is completely unaware of their surroundings and unable to respond to road hazards, making them particularly dangerous.

Impaired Vision

Drowsiness can cause blurred vision, tunnel vision, or difficulty maintaining visual focus, all of which impair a driver’s ability to see and respond to hazards on the road.

Decreased Motor Skills

Drowsiness can also affect motor skills, coordination, and muscle control, making it more difficult for drivers to steer, brake, or maintain control of their vehicles.

Increased Risk-Taking Behavior

Drowsy drivers may engage in dangerous behaviors, such as speeding, reckless driving, or aggressive driving, in an attempt to stay awake or compensate for their impaired state. These behaviors can increase the likelihood and severity of accidents.

What Times of Day Are Drowsy Driving Accidents Most Likely to Occur?

Drowsy driving crashes are more likely to occur:

Late Night and Early Morning

Drowsy driving accidents are more common late at night and in the early morning hours when individuals are naturally more prone to feeling tired.

Mid-Afternoon

Another common time for drowsy driving accidents is mid-afternoon, typically between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

How to Prevent Fatigued Driving

The following tips can help you stay safe on the road and prevent drowsy driving:

• Ensure you get enough sleep before driving, especially before long trips. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep.
• Plan to take breaks every 2 hours or every 100 miles during long drives.
• Try to avoid driving during late-night hours, early morning, and mid-afternoon when drowsiness is more likely to occur.
• Share driving duties with a passenger, especially during long trips.
• Avoid driving for long periods without breaks.
• Avoid alcohol consumption before driving and be cautious with medications that may cause drowsiness.

What Are Common Signs Of a Fatigued Driver?

Common signs of a fatigued driver include:

• Yawning
• Heavy eyelids
• Difficulty focusing
• Drifting between lanes
• Tailgating
• Slower reaction times
• Nodding off
• Erratic speed
• Excessive lane changes
• Vehicle drifting off the road

What Are Common Injuries Suffered in a Drowsy Driving Collision?

Common types of injuries that an accident victim may suffer after being involved in a motor vehicle accident with a drowsy driver include:

• Soft tissue damage
• Concussion
• Whiplash
• Nerve damage
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Leg and arm injuries
• Vision loss
• Hearing loss
• Broken bones/bone fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Dental injuries
• Facial injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Mental anguish

If you sustained severe injuries in a collision, your lawyer will carefully review your medical records and consult with experts to determine the cost of future medical care damages.