Can Fatigue Seriously Impair Your Driving Ability?
Some people do not realize how sleep deprivation can significantly impact your day-to-day functions.
A lack of sleep or inadequate amount of rest can impair your driving, similar to drinking and driving because it leads to:
- A lack of focus
- Impaired cognition
- And poor judgment
All things that can lead to the potential of a motor vehicle crash.
Drowsy Driving Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports approximately 91,000 police-reported crashes involving a drowsy driver in 2017; those crashes resulted in roughly 50,000 injured people and nearly 800 fatalities. Fatigue has detrimental effects on both your physical health and your quality of life; it also poses potential threats to your safety.
Driving while fatigued is a significant issue that has plagued the United States. According to the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 6,400 people die each year in crashes involving a fatigued driver. Drowsy drivers are putting lives at stake by endangering themselves and other drivers on the road.
Impact of Drowsiness While Driving
Did you know roughly 1 in 25 adult drivers report falling asleep while driving in the previous 30 days? Fatigue occurs when you are awake for many hours or have not gotten adequate sleep; untreated sleep disorders and medication can also contribute to fatigue. However, it is no excuse to get behind the wheel because it can result in a severe accident and cause catastrophic injuries.
The significant effects of driver fatigue can include:
- Slow reaction time when sudden braking or avoidance of road hazards is required
- Poor judgment and inability to make sound decisions
- Drifting or swerving lanes
- Inability to concentrate on the road and becoming easily distracted
- Experiencing microsleeps or “Nodding off”
- Sleep deprivation causes a mental impairment similar to drunkenness
- Inability to remember the last few miles while driving
How To Prevent Drowsy Driving
Driving while fatigued can happen to anyone; it’s essential to take safety precautions to reduce the chances of getting involved in a drowsy driving-related crash.
In order to prevent drowsy driving, make sure to do the following:
- Take the initiative to obtain a healthy sleep schedule. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society, individuals should aim to get at least seven or more hours of sleep each night.
- Be cautious of taking prescriptions or over-the-counter medication before getting behind the wheel. Often, adverse reactions or side effects of the medicines cause drowsiness.
- Avoid driving late at night.
- If you are driving for an extended period, take frequent breaks.
Contact Car Accident Lawyers In Luzerne County
At Slusser Law Firm your fight is our fight; we will do whatever it takes to get you the results you deserve. If you or a loved one have been involved in a drowsy driving-related crash, our attorneys can help fulfill your legal needs.
Contact us online today or give us a call at (570) 405-9953 to schedule a free initial consultation*; we can help provide you with well-informed legal advice on your situation.