There are many driving safety issues of which people are well aware. They know that drunk driving leads to car accidents and is illegal. They’re aware of the high risk of distracted driving, especially when that distraction comes from a cellphone.
But one thing that people are often much less aware of is the risk of fatigued driving. In fact, someone may drive when they’re too tired to do so safely, even though they would never risk driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They just don’t think of fatigued driving as very dangerous – but the truth is that it is actually quite similar to both drunk driving and distracted driving.
How lack of sleep impacts a driver
One example of the similarity is that a lack of sleep, like distraction or alcohol, can mean that someone has delayed reactions. They’re tired, so they don’t move their foot to the brake pedal as quickly. Maybe they don’t notice traffic slowing down around them. Perhaps they have a sluggish reaction at a traffic light. They’re just less alert, and that impacts their driving ability.
Additionally, lack of sleep can impact someone’s cognitive function. They may make poor decisions or judgment calls. They could be more likely to turn the wrong way down a one-way street, for example. And in some cases, of course, there are even fatigued drivers who nod off behind the wheel.
Have you suffered injuries?
It is important to know that fatigued driving is dangerous, as this is often an under-reported issue. But even knowing of the danger doesn’t mean other drivers won’t make mistakes. If you’ve been injured due to their negligence, in an accident they caused, you may deserve financial compensation.
