Driver Fatigue- A Major Cause of Car Accident

When a driver is fatigued and behind the wheel, it can result in a serious car accident. Being overly tired may cause the driver to have trouble concentrating. This will cause him or her to pay less attention to the road conditions, as well as to other vehicles around. The driver’s lack of concentration can make him or her miss an upcoming hazard on the road. A fatigued driver will less likely notice a problem that an alert driver would. Not only that, the driver’s drowsiness will cause him or her to react slowly and, therefore, result in accident.

What are the Signs of Driver Fatigue?

·         Consistent yawning

·         Trouble keeping eyes open and constant blinking

·         Trouble concentrating on the road or wandering thoughts

·         Difficulty keeping head up

·         Not remembering the previous few minutes or miles of driving

·         Weaving between lanes or onto the shoulder

·         Feeling like falling asleep

What Factors Increases the Risk of a Car Accident Caused by Driver Fatigue?

·         Loss of sleep

·         Sedating medications

·         Alcohol consumption

·         Unrecognized or untreated sleep disorders

·         Driving between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.

·         Mid-afternoon driving

·         Driving a significant number of hours every day

·         Driving for long time periods without a break

How to Avoid a Car Accident Caused by Fatigue Driving?

·         To avoid a car accident caused by fatigue driving, do the following things:

·         Take a 20-minute nap before driving

·         If you need to drive more than 2 hours, schedule breaks for naps and exercise

·         Have some caffeine through coffee, tea or pop

·         Eat an energy-providing snack such as coffee, fruit or a protein bar

·         Avoid alcohol or medications that make you drowsy

·         Avoid driving late at night or in the early hours of the morning