Accidents caused by fatigued drivers make up about two percent of all car accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In 2013, the same organization reported that such drivers caused 77,000 accidents which led to 44,000 injuries and 800 deaths.
Symptoms of Fatigued Driving
A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that forty-one percent of adult drivers admitted to falling asleep or nodding off while driving at some point in time.
If you experience any of the following symptoms while behind the wheel, you could be suffering from fatigue:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Yawning
- Restlessness
- Tired eyes
- Frequent blinking
Tips for Avoiding Fatigue Related Accidents
- Get seven to eight hours of sleep every night
- Carpool when possible because talking with passengers can help keep you alert
- Don’t drink and drive as just one drink can cause drowsiness
- Don’t take a long ride between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. when natural alertness is low
- If you feel tired, pull into a parking lot and rest
Many believe that playing a loud radio or turning up the air conditioner counter driver fatigue, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this isn’t so.
Who is Most Likely to Drive Fatigued?
While anyone can drive fatigued, those who are more likely to do so include:
- Truck and other commercial drivers
- Drivers who work long shifts
- Drivers who take sedation medication
If you’ve sustained injuries in a car accident, please contact us to discuss your case. Should you have a claim, we’ll fight hard on your behalf to get you the settlement you deserve.