Fatigue is a common issue among modern adults. Many people have more obligations to address than they have time to fulfill. Busy professionals and parents often sacrifice their rest when they don’t have time to manage all of their responsibilities.
Quite a few people drive to or from work while feeling fatigued or downright exhausted. People driving long distances could remain at the wheel for hours at a time and may become quite fatigued. Those drivers could potentially cause major crashes.
How does fatigue influence collision risk?
1. Falling asleep at the wheel
Obviously, the single biggest safety concern about fatigued driving is the potential to fall asleep at the wheel. Drivers who feel too tired to stay awake can doze off. Dark conditions and highway hypnosis could worsen the risks. Even if a driver only falls asleep for a few seconds, they could lose control of their vehicle and cause a collision.
2. Increased reaction times
People who are too tired to drive safely may struggle to respond appropriately to changing traffic conditions. They are easily distracted due to their exhaustion and may take longer to respond when they finally notice a nearby hazard.
3. Compromised decision-making
Drivers have to make snap decisions in traffic that can either prevent crashes or cause them. Drivers who have gone too long without rest may struggle to make appropriate decisions as traffic conditions change.
Fatigued or exhausted drivers who cause preventable collisions are liable for the harm they cause others. Requesting compensation from a fatigued or drowsy driver can help crash victims repair their vehicles, replace lost wages and cover their medical bills.