Fatigue is a crucial factor in car accidents. It may be just as deadly as drinking and driving. Tired drivers have shorter response times and have less attention, awareness, and control of their cars. According to studies, they are driving when sleepy is just as risky as driving while intoxicated.
The Most At Risk:
At-work drivers are more vulnerable to fatigue since they spend more time behind the wheel, with four out of ten tiredness-related crashes involving a commercial vehicle. Sleep-related accidents are more common among male drivers than female drivers. Younger drivers are more at risk than older drivers, and they are more likely to have an accident in the early morning after little or no sleep.
Factors That Lead To Tiredness In Drivers:
Many variables can lead to driver weariness and increase the likelihood of being involved in a fatigue-related accident. These are a few examples:
Sleep Deprivation Or Sleep Disruption:
It might be due to life changes like a new baby, hectic schedules, stress, or sleep problems like narcolepsy, insomnia, or sleep apnea.
Time:
Early morning and early afternoon are the most typical periods for drivers with regular sleep patterns to fall asleep behind the wheel (2 pm-4 pm). These are the periods when the biological clock naturally slows down, resulting in sleepiness and decreased attention.
Sleep Habits That Are Out Of Whack:
It might be an issue if you work irregular shifts or move from day to night shifts without enough time off in between. Sleep-related accidents are more common among shift workers, according to research.
Long Trips Behind The Wheel:
According to research, after two hours of continuous driving, your ability to focus and respond to risks deteriorates. You’ll need more rest to restore your driving abilities the longer time you spend driving.
The Legislation Against Driving Fatigue:
It’s challenging to show that driver tiredness was the cause of a collision. You cannot test drivers for fatigue, and a motorist who has wrecked may not admit to driving while fatigued. Death by risky driving or reckless driving can be charged against a fatigued motorist who kills another person. A 14-year jail term is a maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving. If you or a loved one has been charged with tiredness, you should get legal advice from a reputable firm like Tiemann Law Firm.
