Driving can feel almost automatic for the seasoned road user, but the truth is that it requires a lot of concentration. Multiple important decisions are being made every second on the roadways and they can mean the difference between life and death.
Sadly, there are millions of car accidents every year, with thousands of them causing serious injuries and even fatalities. There are numerous factors that can lead to a crash, but fatigue is one of the more notable contributors. What causes some drivers to become fatigued?
The time of day
Some people drive to work each morning while others operate commercial vehicles during the night. The time of day that an individual gets behind the wheel is actually quite significant when it comes to road traffic collisions. At certain times of the day, it’s natural for humans to have a dip in energy as we are largely accustomed to certain sleep patterns. Thus, many fatigue-related accidents occur during the night or early hours in the morning.
The length of time that a driver has been on the road also plays a key role in fatigue-related crashes. As stated, driving requires a lot of concentration and humans are only able to sustain this for a certain number of hours. This is why commercial drivers are limited to driving a set amount of hours per day. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, they often push themselves too far and end up in crashes.
Quiet vehicles
Modern technology has allowed cars and other vehicles to become more comfortable. The days when cars would rattle and exhausts would backfire are long gone. But, driving in comfort has its drawbacks. An individual who is already tired is much more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel in a vehicle that barely makes a sound.
If you have been injured by a fatigued driver then you may be able to claim compensation for your suffering. Seek some legal guidance to find out more about your options.