There are a number of potential problems that can cause a driver to become dangerous on the road. For example, intoxication and disregard for speed limits can lead to a fatal collision. However, other risks which may not be as obvious, such as distraction and fatigue, are also very problematic. Drivers may become fatigued for different reasons, whether they take prescription medication which makes them tired, they work excessively long hours, they do not get enough sleep at night, or they suffer from a sleep disorder. Unfortunately, driver fatigue is far too prevalent.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that one out of every 25 adult drivers reported to falling asleep on the road in the last 30 days, according to information gathered from research. Even when a driver does not fall asleep, being excessively tired can also cause a motor vehicle accident in different ways, such as causing a driver to lose the ability to stay in their lane or slowing down their reaction time. The CDC points out that in 2013, an estimated 800 lives were claimed and 44,000 people suffered injuries due to drowsy driving.
The victims of drowsy driving accidents may face an array of hardships afterward, from losing the ability to work to suffering from excruciating pain and financial hurdles, among other problems. When a drowsy driver puts lives at risks by getting behind the wheel even though they are too tired, they need to be held answerable for the difficulties they have caused.