Dangers of Driver Fatigue

Almost everyone has driven while tired, but did you know that driver fatigue can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated? Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that there are over 55,000 driving fatigue accidents each year in the United States. In most cases, these driving fatigue car accidents occur because drivers don’t recognize the dangers of drowsy driving.

According to research by the NHTSA, the sleep-wake cycle determines when we get tired. When we begin to get drowsy, our reaction time slows and it takes us longer to process information. As a result, fatigue driving causes accidents when a driver veers off the road or into oncoming traffic.

Warning Signs of Driver Fatigue
The National Sleep Foundation warns that there are numerous signs of driver fatigue.

Warning Signs include:

•    your eyes may feel heavy
•    you blink and yawn frequently
•    you become less attentive to the road (miss your exit, etc)
•    your head feels heavy
•    you have an overwhelming urge to close your eyes for a few seconds

At-Risk Groups
Several groups are more likely to be involved in driving fatigue accidents, according to the NHTSA. Men under the age of 30, shift workers and people who are chronically sleep deprived are more likely to drive drowsy and suffer driver fatigue injuries.
 
Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks are involved in many driving fatigue accidents, largely because truck drivers drive long miles at all hours of the day. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has found that truck drivers who drive more than eight hours per day double their risk of truck accidents. If you have been in a truck accident, it is important to speak with one of our personal injury attorneys and car accident lawyers in your area.

Dangerous Times
According to SmartMotorist.com, most driving fatigue accidents occur early in the morning, especially between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., or mid-afternoon around 2 p.m. The NHTSA defines these periods as “sleepiness peaks,” when our bodies are most likely to be tired and when we are most likely to drive while fatigued.

Consequences of Fatigue Driving
Driver fatigue can contribute to accidents, injuries and fatalities. If you cause a fatigue-related crash, the consequences could be severe. According to the National Sleep Foundation, most states can bring charges against a drowsy driver if they cause an accident, and some states are even crafting specific laws. Contact a car accident lawyer or personal injury attorney to learn the law in your area. “Maggie’s Law” in New Jersey is one example. Under this law, drowsy drivers can be charged with recklessness and vehicular homicide if they cause an accident.

Driver fatigue is a serious matter and should be taken just as seriously as driving while intoxicated.