Beware of fatigue while driving

Drivers have to ensure they’re prepared mentally and physically to handle the demands of driving. Failing to get enough sleep can cause effects on a driver that similar to those of a person who’s intoxicated. Still, some drivers think that they can compensate for the fatigue — but this usually isn’t how things work out.

There are many things that can lead to driver fatigue. While many people equate fatigue only with not getting enough sleep, there are other causes. For example, a person who has to drive during the overnight hours is more likely to become fatigued because this is a time when the body naturally wants to sleep. Taking medications that cause drowsiness can lead to fatigue, as can doing monotonous tasks, such as driving along a lengthy stretch of roadway.

A person who’s fatigued will experience certain symptoms that signal the need to stop driving. These include things like having tunnel vision or microsleeps that last up to 30 seconds. Some will drift out of their lane or forget the previous few miles of their trip.

Fatigued drivers don’t have the ability to react appropriately to things that happen while they’re on the road, which can easily lead to a serious crash. The victims of such motor vehicle accidents have the right to claim financial compensation for things like medical bills and lost wages, among other damages. If you’ve been seriously injured in a crash, find out more about your legal options.