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The serious hazards of fatigued driving

On Behalf of | Apr 26, 2021 | Car Accidents |

Each year, more North Carolina residents are falling asleep behind the wheel. Fatigued drivers are posing many serious hazards not only to themselves but also to others on the roadways. By understanding just how drowsiness affects a driver, you can become more informed about why it’s so dangerous to drive when you’re fatigued.

How does drowsiness impair driving?

Drowsiness impairs driving in much the same way that drinking does. A person who is lacking an adequate amount of sleep is more likely to display reduced vigilance, slower reaction times, poorer judgment and a tendency to tailgate. In fact, drowsy drivers are three times more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents than other drivers.

In a physical sense, there are some key indicators that can assist you in determining if you’re experiencing extreme fatigue when you’re behind the wheel. These include heavy eyes, nodding off, missing road signs, drifting out of your lane, difficulty concentrating and an inability to remember the previous few miles that you traveled. If you experience these problems, it’s best to pull over to a safe location and either take a nap or call for a ride.

How is drowsy driving being curbed?

As more studies reveal that the number of drowsy drivers is on the rise, various parties are working to intervene. Car manufacturers are doing their part by developing new technology that alerts drivers when they drift out of their lane. Universities are helping to curb fatigued driving by informing students just how dangerous it can be.

Fatigued driving is a growing problem for the U.S. adult population. With 40% of adults admitting to falling asleep behind the wheel at least once in their driving career, it’s time to curtail this behavior. If you’ve been injured due to the action of a fatigued driver, you should speak with an attorney to ensure you get the compensation that you’re legally entitled to.