\In many ways, fatigued driving creates the same risks as drunk driving. The driver will not be as alert, their reaction times will be slower and they will be more prone to making mistakes. Someone who is extremely tired is more likely to run a stop sign or fail to see a pedestrian in a crosswalk—just as a drunk driver might.
However, drunk driving traditionally receives far more attention than fatigued driving when discussing dangerous road behaviors. It is important for people to recognize the risks of driving while exhausted. Many do not view it as a serious safety hazard, even though they would never drive under the influence of alcohol. However, the way fatigue impairs a person’s ability to drive safely is, in many ways, the same.
Why is it underreported?
One reason fatigued driving is underreported is that it is much harder to track. Many researchers believe it is significantly underreported in crash data.
After all, many drivers may not admit they were fatigued, even after causing an accident. The adrenaline from the crash will likely wake them up, so they may not appear fatigued at the scene.
If a driver is suspected of being drunk, police can administer a breath test to check their BAC. If a driver was distracted by their cell phone, investigators may be able to review text logs or online activity. However, proving fatigue is far more difficult unless it was captured on video, making it challenging to establish that a driver was drowsy or even nodded off behind the wheel.
Seeking financial compensation
You likely share the road with fatigued drivers every day, and there is always the potential for one of them to cause a serious accident. If you suffer injuries, be sure you understand the legal steps to take in order to seek financial compensation for medical bills and other costs.