There are many reasons why car accidents happen on Texas roads and highways. When you consider these reasons, it is likely that distracted driving and drunk driving top your list. Speeding and dangerous road conditions are also common causes for car accidents, but one you may not think about is fatigued driving.
Fatigue is actually quite dangerous, even though many people get behind the wheel of their vehicles while tired. There is a point, however, when a person is too tired to safely operate a vehicle. Most fatigued individuals do not recognize the risks or signs of extreme fatigue and how it can affect their driving. The results can be serious accidents, injury and death.
When is sleepy too sleepy?
People may overlook fatigue as one of the leading causes of car accidents because everyone experiences sleepiness and exhaustion from time to time. Many may overestimate their ability to drive safely, while others are completely unaware of how tired they actually are. It may surprise you to learn how many people are dangerously tired while operating a vehicle; a recent poll found that one-third of drivers have been tired to the point of falling asleep behind the wheel at least once in the last few weeks.
If you are unsure of the serious effect that fatigue can have on a driver or are unsure who is truly at risk, it may be helpful to consider the following facts:
- A startlingly high number of people admit to driving a car only a short time after taking medication to help them sleep.
- Extensive sleep deprivation, such as going without sleep for 24 hours, can have the same effect that a blood alcohol concentration level of .10 percent can have on a person.
- It is difficult to recognize when a driver is fatigued, and there is no accurate way to measure how tired a person truly is.
Drivers are responsible for knowing when fatigue can affect their driving. By preparing for long trips, having a person in the car with them or avoiding certain types of medication within a few hours of driving, it can make the roads safer for everyone.
The rights of accident victims
When a person is the victim of a serious accident on Texas roads, he or she may have a rightful claim to compensation. This is the case for individuals who are suffering due to the reckless or negligent actions of another person, including one who was dangerously fatigued at the time of the crash.
After any accident that results in injury, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to learn about your legal options.