There are many people who would never drive under the influence of alcohol. Even if they drink, they always make a plan to get a ride home. They know that drunk driving can lead to serious car accidents.
However, many of these same people would not think twice about driving when they are feeling tired. This could be a chronic issue, such as feeling exhausted on a regular basis during an evening commute. It could also be a one-time issue, such as trying to stay awake during a road trip.
But the reality is that these two issues are very similar, and drivers should avoid both when they can.
Symptoms of fatigued driving
Like alcohol impairment, fatigued driving can lead to serious mistakes, especially when making judgment calls, such as determining when it is safe to turn left. It can also make it more likely that a driver will miss clear safety warnings, such as a tired driver not seeing the sign for a one-way street.
Moreover, fatigued drivers tend to have worse reaction times. Their brain isn’t working as quickly as it would if they were more alert, so it takes them longer to react to changing traffic conditions, such as cars slowing down ahead of them.
Seeking financial compensation
Unfortunately, many drivers don’t understand the full scope of the risk, so they still drive when they are too tired to do so safely. If you have been injured in an accident caused by one of these drivers, take the time to look into your options to seek financial compensation. This can help cover lost wages, medical bills and much more.
