People sometimes think that they can drive even when they are sleepy. This isn’t ever a good idea because fatigue can lead to serious wrecks. Unfortunately, there are people who still drive without sufficient rest. Many don’t realize that being awake for 18 hours can produce the same effects as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08%, which is legally impaired in all 50 states.
Everyone who drives on the roads should keep an eye out for signs of fatigue in other drivers. This might give them a chance to avoid a bad accident. Some signs of fatigued driving include:
- Swerving
- Hitting the roadside rumble strips
- Drifting into other lanes
These are by no means the only indications but may be the most obvious to other motorists.
Times when drowsy driving is more likely
Drowsy drivers are more likely to be on the roads from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from midnight to 6 a.m. Even outside of these times, drivers should be careful.
A person who is fatigued may not fall asleep at the wheel, but they may experience microsleeps that last a few seconds. When they’re traveling at 55 mph, a five-second microsleep can mean that the motorist goes the full length of a regulation football field. That leaves plenty of time and ample opportunities to slam into another vehicle.
Anyone who gets injured in a crash with a fatigued driver may suffer serious injuries. They should ensure that they get the medical treatment that they need to make a full recovery. This treatment can be very expensive, especially if the injuries are catastrophic. Seeking compensation can help the injured parties to recover their losses and damages from the wreck.