You may be surprised to learn that driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to overlook the risks of driving while fatigued, particularly if you’re a busy individual trying to balance a packed schedule. Too often we see seriously injured clients who were hurt by a driver that was over-worked or did not get adequate sleep.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving is responsible for an average of 100,000 crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,500 fatalities each year. This is a sobering statistic and one that highlights the very real dangers of getting behind the wheel when you’re not fully alert.
There are a number of reasons why driving while tired is so hazardous. For one, it can severely impact your ability to concentrate on the road, react to unexpected situations, and make smart decisions. When you’re tired, you might have difficulty judging distances, perceiving danger, and accurately responding to other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists.