Any driver who’s on the road has a duty to ensure they can operate their vehicle safely. When there are any hazards present, the driver needs to be able to react appropriately to keep themselves and others safe.
A fatigued driver likely won’t have the ability to react to things going on around the vehicle in a suitable manner. By the time a person has been without sleep for 20 hours, the effects are similar to that of a person who’s legally intoxicated.
What leads to fatigued driving?
Many people think that fatigued driving is only caused by lack of sleep, but there are also other causes. Some people become fatigued if they’re awake when they’d normally be asleep, even if they get enough sleep. This is typically a problem for swing shift and third shift workers.
In some cases, medications can lead to fatigue. This is possible with both over-the-counter and prescription medicines. One thing to look for is a warning that the medication may cause drowsiness or that the person should avoid operating heavy machinery after taking the drug.
Fatigued driving can lead to serious crashes, which can lead to significant injuries for innocent people. The victims of the wrecks may need significant medical care, which can be costly. Seeking compensation for these injuries may help those victims to cover the cost of medical care and missed wages. Working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial since they can get things moving while the victim heals from their injuries.