Symptoms of Driver Fatigue

According to DrowsyDriving.org, “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving causes at least 100,000 police-reported crashes and kills more than 1,550 Americans each year.” That figure means that at least four people a day die in an accident caused by driver fatigue. If you have been a victim, contact a car accident attorney.

What is Drowsy Driving?
Drowsy driving is based on the concept of “fatigue.”  Each person may have a different definition of fatigue, but usually one component is being sleepy. Webster’s dictionary defines fatigue as, “to weary with labor or exertion.”
Other definitions include:

•    a lack of good restful sleep
•    decreased awareness
•    a reduction in reflexes
•    impaired judgment.  

Please be aware that just as alcohol can impair driving, so can fatigue. If you feel that fatigue resulted in another driver hitting you, speak with one of our car accident attorneys in your area.

You are Driving While Drowsy if you are:
•    Struggling to focus
•    Blinking a lot
•    Fighting to keep your eyes open
•    Daydreaming
•    Yawning
•    Rubbing your eyes
•    Drifting while driving
•    Not remembering the last few miles
 
Effects on Victims
With 1,550 Americans dying each year in fatigue accidents, the effects of this epidemic are far reaching.  Since many driver fatigue accidents are singular, meaning only the driver is killed, the families often suffer from additional grief in thinking they somehow could have prevented this accident. When the accident involves others, there is blame and sometime lawsuits involved.

Driving Fatigue Injuries
With 100,000 reported crashes, and more unreported, there are many victims who must cope with their injuries and the resulting medical costs. Depending on the severity of the crash and specific injuries sustained, the victim may spend a great deal of time in the hospital or rehabilitative therapy.  Other results of their injuries can include:

•    Loss of job/income
•    Loss of house or property due to loss of income and/or enormous medical expenses
•    Lawsuits
•    Depression and other psychological issues

Resources for Driving Fatigue Accident Victims
With so much going on after an accident, victims can often feel alone and/or overwhelmed. If needed, the victim or their family should enlist the services of a medical advocate and seek out support groups that can assist with their feelings of guilt and/or grief. Some victims find solace within these areas:

•    Support of family
•    Support of friends
•    Clergy
•    Online support groups

If a victim is suffering from depression or other mental difficulties, they should seek professional help immediately.