Drivers should be well rested before they get behind the wheel of a vehicle. People who drive while they’re drowsy can cause crashes that injure themselves and others on the road. Because of this it’s imperative that all drivers get adequate sleep before they get on the road.
Drowsy driving isn’t caused only by lack of sleep. People who work third shift, those on certain medications and those who have certain medical conditions can all become drowsier when they drive.
Dangers of drowsy driving
Many people don’t realize just how dangerous it is to drive when you’re fatigued. Drivers who have gone 20 hours without sleep face the same impairments as someone who is legally impaired with a blood alcohol concentration of .08%. These drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash than those who aren’t tired.
Each year, around 6,400 people die in fatigued driving crashes in this country. Fatigued drivers have a slowed reaction time and an inability to keep their attention focused on the road. They may not be aware of hazards that are present while they’re driving.
In some cases, fatigued drivers fall asleep at the wheel. This is incredibly dangerous, even if they only have a short micro-sleep of 4 to 5 seconds. If they’re traveling at 55 miles per hour, their vehicle will move the length of a football field in that amount of time.
Anyone who’s injured in a crash with a drowsy driver must get medical care. They may choose to seek compensation for medical bills and other expenses related to the crash. Indiana law has time limits for these cases so be sure you don’t let that time elapse.