When it comes to issues that can affect someone’s ability to drive, people are very conscious of some major issues. They know that distracted driving is dangerous and that cell phones cause car accidents. They know that impaired driving, whether that impairment comes from alcohol or drugs, is one of the top reasons for fatal car accidents.
But there’s another issue that is often overlooked: fatigued driving. Most people have done this at some point, and many drivers report that they wouldn’t pull over if they were feeling fatigued. They would simply try to stay awake – maybe by turning up the music, opening the window or drinking a cup of coffee – until they got to their destination. They don’t see fatigue as something with the same level of risk as impaired driving or distracted driving.
It is very similar
However, there are key ways in which fatigued driving is quite similar to both of those issues listed above. For instance, distracted driving can impact someone’s reaction times. So can fatigued driving, because that driver may have a lower mental processing speed or may even nod off behind the wheel.
On the other hand, drunk driving can cause people to make mistakes or poor judgment calls. Fatigue can do the same thing because the person just isn’t thinking clearly. That mental fog could cause them to make an error that they never would’ve made if they were alert and focused on driving safely.
Have you been injured?
As noted, many people still drive when they’re fatigued, so it will continue to cause car accidents. If you’ve been injured in one of these accidents, be sure you know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills and related costs.
