One out of 25 adult drivers have reported falling asleep while driving. Many others admit to driving when fatigued or sleep-deprived.
Unfortunately, drowsy and fatigued driving is a bigger problem than many people realize. Not only do sleepy drivers put themselves and their passengers at risk, but they also put others on the road at risk.
How does fatigue impact your ability to drive safely?
Drowsy driving is frequently compared to driving while intoxicated. If you get behind the wheel when you are tired, the following issues may occur:
- Your reaction time, hazard awareness and focus will be reduced.
- Driving going over 20 hours without sleep is equivalent to driving with a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) of 0.08%.
- Fatigued drivers are three times more likely to be involved in an accident.
Who is affected by drowsy driving?
People of all genders and in all age groups can be impacted by drowsy driving. However, it is particularly prevalent in those under 25. People in this age group make up about 50% of all fatigued driving accidents. Parents have a huge role in preventing fatigued driving accidents in teens and must ensure their children know how to stay safe while behind the wheel.
It is also important for everyone to get plenty of sleep before driving, utilize crash avoidance technology and if you feel tired while driving, pull over and rest.
Your rights after an accident with a fatigued driver
If you are involved in an accident with a fatigued driver, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. However, these types of incidents can be difficult to prove, so knowing your legal rights and options is recommended.
