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What is fatigued driving and why is it dangerous?

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Fatigued driving occurs when a driver operates a vehicle while feeling excessively tired or sleepy. This state of reduced alertness and impaired mental functioning can stem from inadequate rest, extended hours of work or untreated sleep disorders. It’s a condition that’s not always easy to self-diagnose because drivers may not realize how tired they are until it’s too late.

When a driver is fatigued, their ability to make decisions, react to changes in traffic and maintain concentration is severely hindered. This impairment closely mirrors the effects of alcohol consumption, leading to delayed reaction times and reduced vigilance.

Understanding the impact of fatigued driving

Fatigued driving impairs several cognitive and physical functions that are crucial for safe driving. It affects concentration, decision-making and reaction time. Drivers may experience lapses in attention, slower processing of information and difficulty in maintaining lane position. These impairments increase the likelihood of errors, leading to an elevated risk of accidents.

The physiological effects of fatigue on driving performance are profound. Lack of sleep leads to a decrease in hand-eye coordination and impairs the ability to gauge distances accurately. Fatigue can also cause microsleeps, which are brief uncontrollable episodes of sleep. These episodes, lasting just a few seconds, can result in the driver losing control of the vehicle, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

Being awake for 18 hours can impair driving to a degree similar to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%, which is just shy of the legal limit. This comparison emphasizes the substantial danger posed by fatigued drivers, not only to themselves but to others on the road.

Preventive measures

While some people think they can beat fatigue by drinking caffeine or rolling down the windows for fresh air, that’s not the case. The only way to prevent fatigued driving is to get adequate sleep before driving.

Crashes caused by fatigued driving are fully preventable. Victims of these wrecks may opt to pursue a claim for compensation to help offset the financial damages they’re dealing with. This may include the costs associated with medical care, missed wages and other expenses.

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