Drowsy driving is a serious risk on the road. Many drivers underestimate how dangerous it can be to drive while tired, but studies show that fatigue-related crashes can be just as severe as those caused by alcohol or distracted driving. Fatigued driving is a particular concern for trucking companies, as long hours on the road can cause tired commercial drivers to fall asleep at the wheel and lead to devastating collisions. If you need a New Haven, CT truck accident lawyer, our team at Nugent & Bryant is ready to help.
How Does Drowsiness Affect Driving?
When you are tired, your abilities to focus and react quickly are significantly reduced. Fatigue makes it harder to judge distances, recognize hazards, and make safe driving decisions. In some cases, drowsy drivers may even experience microsleep—brief, uncontrollable moments of sleep that can last for a few seconds. Losing control for even a short period can lead to devastating consequences.
Causes Of Fatigued Driving
Several factors contribute to driver fatigue. Some of the most common include:
- Long Hours On The Road: Commercial truck drivers and shift workers often drive for extended periods. There are laws and regulations in place to prohibit them from going too long without stopping, but sometimes unavoidable traffic can cause them to be on the road for too long without a break.
- Driving At Night: The body naturally becomes more tired at night, making late-night driving more dangerous. It’s common for families or friend groups on road trips to drive in the middle of the night, as traffic is typically less hectic, allowing you to cover more ground with less stress. But if drivers aren’t rested enough, it can have awful consequences.
- Lack Of Sleep: This may be an obvious one, but not getting enough rest before driving increases the risk of drowsiness and poor concentration. Especially if you’re anticipating a long drive, your nerves or excitement could cause you to not sleep as well as you normally would.
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy can make it hard for people to get a full night sleep, leading to excessive daytime drowsiness for people, and thus increasing the risk of accidents.
- Medications: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications cause drowsiness and make it unsafe to drive. Antidepressants, anti seizure medications, and sleeping pills are a few examples.
Recognize The Signs Of Drowsy Driving
If you experience any of the following, it may be time to pull over and rest:
- Frequent yawning or blinking
- Difficulty keeping your eyes open
- Trouble remembering the last few miles driven
- Drifting between lanes or hitting rumble strips
- Slower reaction times or missed traffic signs
Continuing to drive while fatigued puts you and others at risk.
Who Is Most At Risk?
While any driver can experience fatigue, certain groups are more likely to be affected, including:
- Commercial truck drivers who spend long hours on the road.
- Shift workers who drive early in the morning or late at night.
- Individuals with untreated sleep disorders.
- Drivers taking medications that cause drowsiness.
- People who have had less than six hours of sleep before getting behind the wheel.
What To Do To Prevent Drowsy Driving
It’s one thing to understand the risks of falling asleep at the wheel. It’s another to take action to prevent it from happening. After all, really the only thing we can control on the road is ourselves. Here are steps you can take to avoid drowsy driving:
- Get at least seven to eight hours of sleep before a long drive.
- Take breaks every two hours or every 100 miles.
- Avoid driving during your usual sleep hours.
- If you feel drowsy, switch drivers or pull over to rest.
- Be mindful of medications that may make you sleepy.
Get Legal Help After A Fatigue-Related Accident
Fatigued driving can lead to severe accidents, especially when large vehicles are involved. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a drowsy driver, you may have legal options. At Nugent & Bryant, we’re passionate about helping catastrophic accident victims seek compensation for their injuries and losses. Contact our Connecticut personal injury firm today for a free consultation.
