Driving when you’re too tired can be very dangerous. Even so, people do it all the time. Some of them are commuting to work in the morning after dragging themselves out of bed. Others are just trying to keep going during a road trip, driving late into the night so that they can reach a distant destination. Still others simply have to commute because they work the night shift.
As common as this is, it’s important to note that it’s a very risky practice. It is often compared to drunk driving, and it can lead to serious car accidents.
How is it similar?
The problem is that fatigue can impact you in much the same way that alcohol does. Consider your reaction times, for instance. They slow down after you have a few drinks because your brain can’t process the information as quickly. The same thing happens if you’re feeling tired, as you may zone out or just not be able to work your way through a new event as quickly as if you were feeling more alert, awake and aware.
Additionally, someone who is very fatigued may actually fall asleep behind the wheel. They could nod off for just a second or a few seconds. Either way, it’s enough for them to drift off of the road or over the centerline, just like a drunk driver may do. Those who are fatigued and who have also been drinking alcohol are especially likely to make these types of mistakes. Even one drink hits harder when a driver is tired.
Have you been injured?
If you get hit by a fatigued driver or an intoxicated driver and suffer serious injuries, make sure you know how to seek financial compensation.
