How Does Fatigue Affect Driving?

If you have ever yawned while driving, then you know how difficult concentrating when you're tired can be. Driving by itself is a rigorous task and requires the attention of the driver to be sharp. When one is sleepy, concentration can fail and it can be easy to daydream, lose focus and even begin to drift off. This is typically on par with drunk driving, however, instead of a substance impairing the driver, they are affected by the physiological and psychological condition of exhaustion. So how does one know if they are officially classified as a tired driver? The following symptoms can be a red flag to fatigue:

• Excessive daydreaming;
• Drifting between lanes;
• Yawning / stretching while driving;
• Feeling impatient and irritable;
• Having "heavy eyes; and
• Being slow to react

It has been shown that drivers who suffer from this level of exhaustion can often be unable to remember the last few minutes of driving. This means that they are a hazard not only to themselves, but to every other driver that they are sharing the roadway with. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it was found that of these "sleepy driving accidents," men were more likely to be involved and over two thirds were attributed to people younger than 30.

If you have been injured in an auto accident that was caused by a fatigued driver, then you likely have grounds to file a personal injury claim. It is highly encouraged that you work with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney to help you protect your legal rights at a time such as this. Contact Pacific Attorney Group if you would like to learn more about how we can help you determine the cause of the accident, outline liability and help you seek the comprehensive compensation that you deserve.