How Dangerous is it to Drive While Fatigued? Here is What the Experts Say

There is no doubt that some drivers in Louisiana and across the country get behind the wheel even when they are overtired or exhausted. Whether a driver is overtired due to their busy morning routine and commute, or because they drive a truck or taxi for a living and are exhausted due to work, it is unquestionable that driving while fatigued or exhausted can be incredibly dangerous and can lead to serious car accidents and even death. Although we have all probably heard from time to time that driving while fatigued is very risky, just how dangerous is it, really? To help Louisiana drivers better understand the dangers of driving while fatigued or over-exhausted, we share the following information from a Forbes online article about the topic.

Drowsy, Tired, Fatigued, Overworked – A Recipe for Disaster on the Road

According to David Yang, executive director and president of AAA Foundation, “Being drowsy while driving is a dangerous form of impairment, and it does not resolve or improve with continued driving.” Indeed, per the Forbes article, “Crashes caused by drowsy driving tend to be severe because the driver may not attempt to brake or swerve to avoid a collision, so the resulting impact occurs at a high rate of speed. A drowsy driver may also be startled and lose control of the vehicle.” To study the dangers of driving while fatigued, researchers designed a study involving nighttime driving on the highway. The results of the study revealed a number of important things about driving while over-exhausted, including the frightening finding that “Even when drivers recognized they were extremely drowsy, they still declined 75% of their opportunities to take breaks and kept driving.” The finding is particularly scary in light of the fact that the study also concluded that “when drivers rate their level of drowsiness as low, 75% of them were, in fact, moderately or severely drowsy.” In sum, a number of drivers on the road are both more tired than they are aware or believe to be, and they are more likely than not to keep driving even if they are extremely drowsy.

Help for Victims of Car Accidents Caused by Drowsy Drivers in Louisiana

No one should have to go through the experience of being injured by a drowsy driver in Louisiana. However, the truth is that car and truck accidents can and do happen every day, and they may be caused by overtired and over-exhausted drivers.

If you were injured in a car accident in Louisiana, whether by a drowsy driver or due to a driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation under Louisiana personal injury laws. The experienced Louisiana personal injury lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your Louisiana car accident case and to see if they can help fight to get you compensation due to you. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today and speak to a lawyer about your case for free.