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The many dangers of fatigued driving

On Behalf of | Aug 14, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Crash

You may not be aware of the dangers that you face from fatigued drivers on Indiana roads. They are even as dangerous as drunk drivers. Driving without 20 hours of sleep has the same exact effect as driving over the legal blood alcohol limit.

Nobody really talks about fatigued driving

Fatigued driving is not nearly as publicized as driving while intoxicated because of the fact that it is not illegal. However, it is every bit as dangerous. In the past year alone, one in every five drivers in a survey reported that they dozed off while driving. The number increases to 40% when drivers are asked if they have ever fallen asleep behind the wheel. Not only does it put the drivers at risk, but it jeopardizes the safety of every other driver and passenger on the road. In 2015, 5,000 people were killed in accidents involving fatigued drivers.

A brief lapse can be fatal

Even dozing off for a second or two can be fatal. Fatigued driving will slow your reaction times in the same way as alcohol. To prevent this, getting enough sleep before you drive is essential. You should also review the medications that you are taking to make sure that they will not make you drowsy. Another way to prevent a fatigued driving crash is to have an advanced safety system in your car such as automatic braking or a warning system. Drowsy driving crashes are not talked about, but they can be every bit as fatal as one involving a DUI.

If you have been injured in a crash with a drowsy driver, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation if you can prove that the other driver was negligent. When they have driven fatigued, chances are that they are to blame. You should contact a car accidents attorney to learn more about the process that you will need to follow in order to receive payment for your injuries.