Drivers should always ensure they’re properly rested before they get behind the wheel. Deciding to drive when they’re fatigued can have devastating effects, and it’s completely preventable so no driver should decide to take this risk.
Studies have shown that staying awake for 20 hours can impair performance as much as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%, the legal limit in most states. Fatigue doesn’t always look like falling asleep. Wandering thoughts, missed exits and frequent blinking can all be subtle signs of a dangerously tired driver.
Causes
Fatigue behind the wheel can stem from more than just a bad night’s sleep. Long hours at work, irregular shift schedules and demanding commutes are common culprits. Commercial drivers, health care workers, and night-shift employees are especially at risk, but anyone who burns the candle at both ends can become a drowsy driver.
Sleep disorders like sleep apnea or insomnia can also quietly contribute to chronic fatigue, even if a person thinks they’re getting rest. Alcohol and certain medications may worsen drowsiness or cause delayed reaction times, even in small doses.
Effects
Fatigued driving impairs judgment, slows reaction time and affects decision-making, much like driving under the influence. One of the most serious consequences is what’s known as a microsleep—a brief, involuntary episode of sleep that can last from a fraction of a second to several seconds. During a microsleep, a driver can completely lose awareness, even with their eyes open. At highway speeds, even a two-second lapse is enough to miss a stop sign or drift into oncoming traffic.
Victims of fatigued driving crashes may suffer serious injuries that require costly medical care. They may opt to pursue a claim for compensation, which must be done within a short time after the wreck. Working with someone familiar with catastrophic car accidents and their consequences is wise.