Fatigued driving is a significant, yet often overlooked, factor contributing to crashes. It’s as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, yet not as commonly discussed.
Drowsy driving occurs when a driver operates a vehicle while feeling sleepy or exhausted. Fatigue significantly impairs reaction times, decision-making abilities and attention to the road. It can be as impairing as alcohol, with similar effects on the body and mind, such as reduced coordination and delayed response to stimuli.
Causes of fatigued driving
Several factors contribute to driver fatigue:
- Lack of adequate sleep: This is the most straightforward cause. Missing even a few hours of sleep can impair driving ability.
- Long hours of driving: Truck drivers, for example, often face long, monotonous drives that can lead to fatigue.
- Irregular work shifts: Shift work, especially night shifts, can disrupt normal sleep patterns and lead to fatigue.
- Medical conditions: Conditions like sleep apnea or insomnia can lead to chronic tiredness.
- Medications: Certain medications have side effects that include drowsiness or fatigue.
Many drivers turn to temporary fixes to combat fatigue, such as consuming caffeine, playing loud music or rolling down the windows for fresh air. While these might offer a brief alertness boost, they aren’t safe solutions. These don’t address the root cause of fatigue and can give a false sense of security. The only effective way to combat fatigue is to get adequate rest.
Victims of fatigued driving crashes may choose to seek compensation for the financial damages they’re facing as a result of a fatigued driver’s negligence. These cases must be filed swiftly because of time limits set by Texas law. Seeking legal guidance right away, therefore, is generally wise.