When on the road, especially for a long period of time, driving can be tiresome and can have dire consequences. Unfortunately, however, drowsy driving is becoming more common.
There are multiple factors that contribute to drowsy driving: the driver may not have gotten enough sleep; the driver may take medication that makes him drowsy; the driver may feel tired from the monotony of driving. Recognizing such factors is the first step in ensuring that you are taking the necessary precautions to ensure safer driving habits, especially if you are embarking on a strenuous driving schedule. Read also: Importance Of Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer.
How does fatigued driving affect one’s driving?
Fatigued driving is gaining more recognition as a potential driving danger. Studies have shown that drowsy driving can be even more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol. That’s because, when tired, our inhibitions are heavily affected, causing potentially harmful driving.
Fatigue driving affects the following:
- Reaction time: When driving fully-rested, you are more alert and are able to gauge driving situations and react accordingly. When drowsy, however, the reaction time may be delayed or absent.
- Information processing: While on the road, there are multiple obstacles that may come your way. There may be other drivers, animals, or objects on the road obstructing your path. Therefore, you need to be able to fully process your driving environment and discern the information.
- Motivation: Avoiding an accident is a major motivator in being well-rested while driving, but this inhibition can easily be affected if sleep is at the forefront of the driver’s mind, which leads to careless driving. Read also: Prison Time for Missouri DUI Accident Drivers.
- Moods and aggression: If a person does not have adequate sleep, he may become irritable or rush to judgment as a consequence. For example, his driving may become more aggressive in order to bypass other drivers.
Even though it is difficult for many law enforcement officers to gauge if fatigue driving caused a driving accident, there are various signs that help determine if the accident was indeed caused by a fatigued driver. Typically, there is little to no signs of skid marks or attempts to swerve or avoid the accident. In addition, there may be evidence that shows that the car veered off as a result of the driver falling asleep.
Conclusion
If you were in an accident because of a fatigued driver, you may experience significant injuries and damages as a result. Since accidents caused by fatigued driving can be complicated, you need to make sure you have a strong legal team to build your case. Read also: Hazardous Roadways.
If in the Bay Area, contact the car accident attorneys at the Strick Law Offices. Or, if in Baltimore, Philadelphia, or Washington DC, contact Gilman & Bedigian, personal injury lawyers. These attorneys work with medical professionals, ensuring that your case is viewed from multiple perspectives. Make sure you receive proper representation to ensure that you are getting the compensation that you deserve.