Most people have gotten behind the wheel of a car when they feel a bit tired and sluggish. While seemingly innocent, fatigued driving can actually have serious consequences. Here are the facts about driving while fatigued and why the practice is so hazardous to you and others.

What Is Fatigued Driving?

Fatigued driving occurs when a person is too tired to operate a vehicle safely. In some cases, a person might end up falling asleep behind the wheel, which can lead to a catastrophic accident.

Most people understand just how dangerous drunk driving is and avoid it at all costs as a result. However, fatigued driving can be just as dangerous because driving while tired causes similar effects as driving while inebriated. Your concentration will be affected, as will fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This combination of effects can lead to a major accident.

Who’s at Risk of Driving While Fatigued?

Any driver can fall victim to drowsiness behind the wheel. However, commercial truckers have the greatest risk, as these motorists tend to do long hauls delivering cargo to locales all over the country.

Hours of service regulations prohibit truckers from driving for too long without a rest break. However, not all truckers follow these rules. Additionally, some trucking companies encourage their drivers to go as long as possible without a break. As a result, truckers have a higher risk of fatigued driving than the average person.

How Can You Avoid the Hazards of Fatigued Driving?

While you can’t control the actions of other motorists, there are ways to reduce your risk of drowsy driving:

• Always schedule rest stops when driving for long periods
• Try to get enough sleep each night before heading to work in the morning
• Never drive after taking medication that causes drowsiness, such as cold and allergy medication
• If you find yourself frequently tired behind the wheel, visit a doctor to determine the underlying cause

These steps will keep yourself and others safe on the road. Remember, fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

What Should You Do If Injured by a Drowsy Driver?

Here at Hinkle Law Offices, our attorneys have seen the damage caused by fatigued drivers. We also have experience with trucking accidents, which can cause massive injuries and even loss of life. If you’d like more information about our firm and our qualifications, please contact us today. You can also call (505) TUF-HELP to schedule a consultation at our Albuquerque office.