Fatigued driving can lead to dangerous and even deadly accidents. Drivers who are tired and can’t concentrate on the road are more likely to collide with others and violate road laws than drivers who are awake and alert. Fatigued drivers are also more likely to fall asleep at the wheel and drive off the road or into oncoming traffic.
Fatigued drivers can cause many different types of collisions, including:
• Rear-end collisions, in which they smash into the vehicle in front of them. These types of collisions can lead to back and neck injuries, brain injuries, as well as many other serious injuries or fatalities.
• Head-on collisions, when two cars traveling toward each other collide. This type of car accident can result in fatalities as well as broken bones, paralysis, head and neck injuries, and more.
• Sideswipe accidents, where the fatigued driver crosses over into another driver’s lane and swipes the side of the car. This can cause drivers to spin off the road and crash.
• Motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents. A fatigued driver is less likely to be aware of his surroundings, and might not see a smaller vehicle, bike, or pedestrian. They are also less likely to notice and obey traffic signs, including street lights, stop signs, and crosswalks.
How to Prevent Fatigued Driving
While you can’t prevent someone else from driving while fatigued and injuring others, you do have control over your own driving. Driving while fatigued can cause accidents that destroy lives. It is a condition that must be taken seriously, but one which few people recognize and take action to prevent. Here’s how you can make sure you and your loved ones avoid fatigued driving:
• Drive during daylight hours after a restful night of sleep. Avoid driving at night after long work hours or when you are overly tired.
• Drive with windows down if temperatures permit, to give yourself some fresh air and surrounding sounds to keep you alert.
• Play upbeat music or listen to an interesting news program. Do not play music that makes you sleepy.
• Drink a cup of coffee or even a glass of water before you drive, to ensure your body is alert and energized.
• Never drink alcohol or consume any drugs before or while driving, and avoid any prescription drugs that might make you drowsy. Talk to your doctor about prescription and over-the-counter drugs that could make you fatigued, and ask for alternatives or wait to take them until you are home.
• Pay attention to the road and avoid getting distracted by anything else, including passengers in your car.
• If you do start to feel tired, pull over at a rest area, get a drink of water, take a brisk walk, and only continue driving if you feel energized. If you don’t, take a nap or call a friend to pick you up.
• If you need to go somewhere late at night, call a taxi or take public transit.
Spread the word about fatigued driving. Not enough people take steps to prevent it, and too many become victims to fatigued drivers. If you are a victim, contact The Husband and Wife Law Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C., for a free consultation.