Recognizing the Role of Drowsy Driving in Auto Collisions

Auto collisions may happen due to several factors. All of these elements are considered when determining the cause of a traffic accident, from human errors, weather, and road conditions to vehicle malfunctions. 

 

While driving under the influence is one of the most common and highlighted causes of car accidents, most overlook the dangers of drowsy driving. 

 

Drowsy driving is operating a vehicle while feeling overly tired or sleepy. It is a risky activity that can impede a driver’s ability to remain attentive, make quick decisions, and respond quickly to changing road circumstances, leading to auto collisions.

 

In this article, you will discover the role of drowsy driving in vehicle crashes and what to do when involved in such an accident.

 

What is Drowsy Driving?

 

Drowsy driving is defined as operating a vehicle while feeling extremely weary, fatigued, or sleepy. Drowsy driving can be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient sleep, lengthy periods of continuous driving, untreated sleep problems, drugs, or a combination of these variables. 

 

When you are fatigued while driving, you may experience the following effects:

• Reduced capacity to focus on the road.
• Delayed reaction time in situations requiring sudden braking or steering.
• Impaired capability to make sound decisions.

 

According to the National Safety Council, the likelihood of being involved in a car accident increases threefold when experiencing fatigue. This is why it is best to avoid driving when tired to reduce the chances of getting into a car accident. 

 

Signs of Drowsy Driving on the Road

 

While it may be challenging to spot a drowsy driver, there are signs, which indicate that they are fatigued while driving, including the following:

• Heavy eyelids
• Frequent yawning
• Trouble keeping their heads up
• Lack of focus
• Irritability 
• Aggressive behaviors
• Drifting in and out of lanes
• Unintentional speed variations
• Missing signs and signals

 

When you feel such symptoms, you may stop and take a rest before driving. Meanwhile, you may avoid and keep a distance from a vehicle exhibiting signs to prevent auto collisions.

 

The Toll on Road Safety: How Dangerous is Drowsy Driving?

 

Driving while fatigued can be highly dangerous since it severely reduces a person’s capacity to drive safely. According to a study titled “Analyzing Driver Drowsiness: From Causes to Effects,” the extent of sleepiness significantly affects drivers’ speed and lane positioning.

 

Many drivers recognize the hazards of driving under the influence, but the risks of drowsy driving are often underestimated. Did you know that operating a vehicle while fatigued and driving under the influence share comparable consequences? Traveling after being awake for more than 20 hours is estimated to have similar impairments as driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent.

 

Moreover, drowsy driving contributes to approximately 100,000 crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,550 fatalities each year. This is why getting enough sleep before driving is essential for drivers to be attentive and able to make quick decisions.

 

Legal Implications of Auto Collisions Due to Drowsy Driving

 

Being involved in a car accident due to drowsy driving is a complicated matter. You must take care of the expenses of your injuries and other damages incurred from the crash. Aside from this, you need to recover from the injuries simultaneously. 

 

Fortunately, if a fatigued driver caused the collision, you have the right to compensation by filing a personal injury claim. This way, you wouldn’t need to shoulder the financial burden of the crash.

 

However, when filing a car accident claim for the crash, you must demonstrate that a fatigued driver caused the collision. Essentially, establishing negligence on the part of the other driver involves proving the following key elements:

• The driver was responsible for ensuring the safety of fellow road users.
• They failed to fulfill this responsibility.
• This breach of duty directly led to the accident.
• The accident resulted in injuries or other forms of damage.

 

You must have evidence to demonstrate these elements. While it may seem almost impossible to prove that the driver was sleepy during the auto collision, the following pieces of evidence can help you establish your case:

• Zigzag tire marks: Tire marks can provide insight into the driver’s actions leading to the collision. When fatigued drivers anticipate a collision, they might attempt to apply brakes, leading to skid marks. You can then take photos of the accident scene to document this. 
• Witness testimonies: Testimonies from witnesses play a crucial role in your case. If there are individuals present in the area of the collision, their statements can be utilized to support the argument that drowsy driving was the cause of the crash.
• Surveillance footage: If there are any cameras, such as a dash cam or surveillance footage, within the location of the crash, you can use this to show what happened before and after the collision. 
• Other evidence in the area: If the driver hits a signal post or other signage before or during the crash, this can also show that they couldn’t quickly react, leading to the crash. 
• Police report: Authorities responding to crashes usually analyze and document the crash scene. Police reports typically contain the necessary details pertinent to proving your claim. 
• Medical records and other documents related to the damage expenses: When filing a personal injury claim, you must prove that the crash resulted in injuries or other damages to hold the drowsy driver accountable for the expenses. It is crucial, then, to collect all records of the damage costs.

 

While you have the right to compensation in a car accident due to another driver’s drowsy driving, it is not always an easy-sailing process. For instance, a tired driver hit you in California. Due to the impact of the collision, you suffered severe back injuries. How can you document all the evidence needed to prove your case when you are recovering from your injuries in the hospital?

 

In such a case, a California car accident lawyer can build and defend your claim while you focus on your well-being. They will assess the facts of the crash, calculate the total damages, and fight for your rights to compensation. 

 

Drowsy driving should be taken seriously, as it endangers the lives of all road users. If you feel tired when traveling, taking a break and avoiding driving is best. Similarly, if you notice that a driver exhibits the symptoms of drowsiness on the road, maintain distance and alert the authorities immediately. If a drowsy driver hits you, it is highly recommended that you seek assistance from a personal injury lawyer who can defend your rights to receive the maximum settlement.