Behind the wheel, you could find yourself in a motor vehicle crash due to slick roads, poor visibility, a drunk driver or someone driving too fast. However, it is important to focus on the risks associated with drowsy driving. Sometimes, drivers do not understand how fatigue can interfere with the ability to operate a vehicle safely.
It is important for drivers to go over the reasons why drowsy driving remains so prevalent and the impact of this dangerous behavior.
How do drivers become drowsy?
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health covers drowsy driving. According to NIOSH, research found that 37% of U.S. workers surveyed did not get at least seven hours of sleep (the minimum amount of sleep recommended). Drivers can become fatigued due to a chronic sleep disorder or a single sleepless night.
Aside from sleep issues, drowsiness can occur as a result of repetitive tasks, health problems, certain medications and the time of day. Driving for lengthy periods of time and strenuous shifts at work or adjusting to a new schedule can also lead to driver fatigue.
How does drowsiness affect drivers?
On the road, a drowsy driver could struggle to stay in their lane, have tunnel vision or even fall asleep. Drowsiness can cause a driver to fail to respond to hazards, pedestrians, other vehicles or road conditions in a timely manner. Sadly, some drivers do not even notice when drowsiness affects their abilities until it is too late.
If a drowsy driver caused you to sustain an injury, legal options are available to protect your rights.
