With holiday travel, you can expect to be surrounded by impaired drivers.
Although we typically think of drunk driving, impairment comes in many forms. Fatigue is an easy form of impairment for drivers to ignore. Fatigue impairs your judgment, so you may think you’re fine to drive when you aren’t.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, drivers who have not slept in 24 hours perform like drivers with a BAC of .10, that’s worse than the .08 that lands drunk drivers in jail. Drowsy driving is preventable, and drivers who cause accidents because they are too tired can be held liable for the injuries they cause.
Effects of Drowsy Driving
Fatigued drivers make bad decisions or take too long to make a decision. They engage in risky behavior, such as speeding. They are not fully aware of their surroundings and the other vehicles on the road.
Fatigue can cause:
- Slower reaction time
- Poor reflexes
- Poor judgement
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Blurred vision
- Poor judgement
- Falling asleep while driving
If you see a driver who is driving erratically or cannot maintain their lane, keep your distance. You may assume that they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but they could be texting, or they could be sleepy. In all reality, it could be all three.
Causes of Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is a choice, but it is not always the result of pulling an all-nighter. Driver fatigue can result from long drives, driving in stressful conditions, including inclement weather, and underlying health problems.
Drowsy driving is negligent driving. If you have been injured in a Georgia auto accident, and suspect that driver fatigue contributed, we can help. Call Robbins Law, PC, at 800-772-5555 or email us today and schedule your free consultation.