The dangers of driving while fatigued
June 22, 2015
Your Sarasota Accidents Lawyer – Who’s that? JODAT.
In today’s fast-paced society, few people get the amount of sleep they need at night. Chronic lack of sleep can cause health problems, depression, and general fatigue. In addition to being a nuisance, fatigue can be extremely dangerous. Considering that most people use a vehicle to get to and from work every day, fatigued driving is a danger for everyone on the road. The Sarasota Accident Lawyers at Jodat Law Group are here to help.
Fatigue slows a person’s reaction time, preventing him or her from processing and comprehending a situation in the usual amount of time. It also affects reflexes, hearing, and vision. In fact, fatigued driving is responsible for more fatal car crashes than drunk driving. according to the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa), one in six fatal accidents is the result of a fatigued driver, while drunk drivers cause one in three.
How to Recognize Symptoms of Fatigue
Self-assessments are extremely difficult, however, if you are concerned that fatigue may be impairing your ability to drive, there are certain signs which may serve as a clue. For example, if you are finding it difficult to focus, or if you are constantly yawning and stretching your face muscles to keep your eyes open, these are very clear signs of extreme fatigue. Not getting enough sleep at night is the number one cause of fatigue. However, driving when you would otherwise be asleep is also dangerous, even if you are well-rested. There are certain risk factors that greatly increase the chance of a fatigue-related accident. By avoiding or managing the following scenarios below, you can reduce the risk to yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
Scenarios That Greatly Increase the Risk of Fatigue-Related Accidents
- The use of narcotics or sedative drugs
- Being awake for more than 17 hours
- Driving when you would otherwise be sleeping or resting
- Extended periods of poor sleep
- Working consecutive third shifts
- Driving a long-haul truck
- Suffering from an untreated sleep disorder such as sleep apnea
- Jet lag
Jodat Law Group – We Help People Get Back on Their Feet
Jodat Law Group, P.A. has been serving residents of Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Sun City, Venice, Englewood, Brandon, Ellenton, Palmetto, North Port, and the neighboring regions of Florida since 1994. Our skilled, dedicated legal team is made up of attorneys with specific areas of focus, from bankruptcy law to personal injury law. Whether you are facing criminal charges or seeking a divorce, we can help. Contact Jodat Law Group’s Sarasota Accidents Lawyer today for a free consultation about your case.