Have you ever found yourself so tired while driving that your eyelids droop or your chin drops, and you suddenly snap to attention? You probably dozed off for a brief moment. What if, during that moment, you veered into the oncoming lane or a pedestrian darted in front of your vehicle? Driver fatigue is a very real danger, and we talk about it less frequently than driving drunk or texting while driving.
While you know that you shouldn’t drive tired, some people don’t know… or care.
The Dangers of Fatigued Driving
Fatigued driving costs people dearly; we’ve all seen the tragic aftermath of these types of accidents on the news. Know that if you’re too fatigued to drive safely, find a safe place to stop and take a catnap. Twenty minutes of rest can work wonders (it can even be more effective than a cup of coffee).
Avoiding Fatigued Driving Accidents
All drivers should take steps to avoid causing a fatigued driving accident, including:
- Taking frequent breaks on long drives to stretch your legs and revitalize your mind.
- Avoiding alcohol; even one drink can make you sleepy.
- Ensuring that medication you’re taking doesn’t cause drowsiness.
- Avoiding driving between 11p.m. and dawn, which are statistically the most common times for fatigued driving accidents to occur.
Unfortunately, you can’t prevent other drivers from dozing off at the wheel. Driver fatigue is a factor in over 100,000 accidents each year according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What to Do if You’re Hit by a Fatigued Driver
Before you do anything else, seek medical treatment after a car accident. You can worry about the details, such as whether the person who hit you was fatigued or sleeping behind the wheel, later; right now the important thing is to make sure you’re okay.
Once you’re able, call an attorney. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Further reading: http://www.caraccidentlawyer-brooklyn.com/accident-type/drunk-driver/