Fatigued Driving Can Lead to Collisions
Everyone with a driver's license should know that behaviors such as texting and driving and driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs1 are unlawful due to the severe risks of collisions and resulting injuries to others. However, even behaviors that are not against any particular law can be dangerous and can lead to accidents. One such behavior is fatigued driving.
Fatigued
driving is extremely risky as overly drowsy drivers can lose focus and
concentration on the road or can even doze off while driving. If a driver falls
asleep behind the wheel while moving at highway speeds, devastating crashes and
injuries may result. As the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) points out,2
however, there is no particular test to measure a driver's fatigue level, like
there is for suspected drunk drivers. Unless a driver admits to falling asleep,
it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of an accident.
The
following can result in drowsy or fatigued driving:
·
Lack
of sleep
·
Driving
for long periods of time on monotonous roads
·
Taking
sedatives or other medications that may have this type of side effect
·
Having
sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy or apnea
If a driver
begins to feel fatigued, they should always pull over and rest. Tricks like
energy drinks, coffee, or even stimulants will not necessarily increase
awareness though they may be able to stay physically awake. In such situations,
the danger of an accident still exists.
Call for a
free consultation with a qualified Fort Lauderdale auto accident lawyer
Proving
that a driver was fatigued at the time of an accident can be difficult,
especially if there were no witnesses and the driver does not admit they were
at fault. However, an experienced and skilled auto accident attorney in Fort
Lauderdale can conduct a thorough investigation and make use of resources such
as accident reconstruction experts in order to identify the cause of the
accident. If you believe your collision was caused by the other driver, you should
not hesitate to call the law office of Joseph J. LoRusso for a free consultation at
954-715-3260 today.
