Driver Fatigue Is a Real and Present Danger

Fatigued driving, often underestimated and overlooked, poses a serious threat on the roads. When drivers are sleep-deprived or excessively tired, their ability to focus, react quickly, and make sound decisions becomes impaired. This can lead to an increased risk of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Fatigue-related crashes are preventable, yet they continue to occur with alarming frequency. It is not just truck drivers or people working the third shift who are in danger of fatigued driving. A recent study shows that everyday average drivers are likely to underestimate the dangers of their own drowsiness, increasing the risk for a car accident.

Driving simulation study shows how fatigue affects decision-making

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted a review and found that obtaining enough sleep, napping, and consuming caffeine are effective countermeasures against drowsy driving. However, previous research shows that drivers may not accurately recognize their drowsiness or the danger of falling asleep while driving, leading them to make risky decisions such as continuing to drive instead of taking a break or resting.

To explore drivers' awareness of their drowsiness and its influence on their decision-making while driving, researchers used a driving simulator and a unique monetary incentive structure. The study aimed to replicate the tradeoff faced by drowsy drivers who want to reach their destination quickly but safely.

The study found that participants generally became increasingly drowsy during the three-hour driving simulation. While they were aware of their drowsiness, their self-perceptions did not strongly align with objective measures based on video analysis of their eyes. Participants both underestimated and overestimated their level of drowsiness, but the agreement between their self-reported perception and objective measures was highest at moderate levels of perceived drowsiness. Notably, many drivers reported low perceived drowsiness even when the objective measure indicated they were significantly drowsy, highlighting a disconnect between perception and reality.

Regarding decisions to take breaks, participants had the opportunity to stop driving at simulated rest areas approximately every 20 minutes. Surprisingly, about half of the participants completed the entire experiment without taking any breaks. Perceived drowsiness was the most significant predictor for taking breaks, while objective measures of drowsiness, deteriorating vehicle control, and total driving time had weaker correlations with break-taking decisions. Participants who rated their drowsiness as low or moderate rarely took breaks, even when extremely drowsy. This suggests a need to improve drivers' self-assessment of drowsiness levels and educate them about the importance of recognizing early signs of drowsiness and taking timely rest breaks.

How common is fatigued driving?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 100,000 crashes attributed to drowsy driving are reported by the police each year, resulting in nearly 800 fatalities and around 50,000 injuries. However, these numbers may not fully capture the true extent of the problem, as determining driver drowsiness at the time of a crash can be challenging. In fact, a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed a much higher estimate, with approximately 328,000 drowsy driving crashes occurring annually.

This staggering figure is more than three times the police-reported number. Moreover, the study found that out of these drowsy driving crashes, approximately 109,000 resulted in injuries and around 6,400 were fatal. These findings suggest that the actual prevalence of drowsy driving fatalities may be over 350% higher than what is officially reported. The significant underreporting of drowsy driving incidents underscores the urgency to address this issue and raise awareness about its alarming impact on road safety.

How dangerous is fatigued driving?

The National Safety Council helps to express how dangerous it is to drive drowsy. Driving while fatigued bears similarities to driving under the influence of alcohol, as both impair a driver's abilities and increase the risk of accidents. The more fatigued a driver becomes, the worse their reaction times, awareness of hazards, and ability to sustain attention. In fact, driving after being awake for more than 20 hours is akin to driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08%, which is the legal limit in the United States.

Studies show that being fatigued while driving makes you three times more likely to be involved in a car crash. One concerning aspect is that drivers may not even realize when they are fatigued, as signs of fatigue can be challenging to identify. Additionally, some individuals may experience microsleep, which refers to brief and involuntary periods of inattention. In the span of just four or five seconds of micro-sleep, a vehicle traveling at highway speed can cover the distance of an entire football field, highlighting the grave danger posed by fatigue on the road.

What injuries can be caused by fatigued driving?

While truck drivers are at a high risk for falling asleep at the wheel, they are not the only ones this can happen to. When a car swerves into oncoming traffic, fails to notice a stop, or careens into a car beside them, catastrophic injuries can occur. Some of these injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries, leading to permanent brain damage or a vegetative state
• Permanent disfigurement from scarring
• Amputation
• Broken or fractures bones
• Spinal cord damage, such as permanent paralysis
• Permanent loss of vision or hearing

How can a Maryland attorney help me if I was hit by a drowsy driver?

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a fatigued driver, seeking the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney can be crucial in protecting your rights and ensuring you receive proper compensation. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, advocating for your best interests every step of the way. They will investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to build a strong case on your behalf.

At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., we can assess the extent of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We will work diligently to negotiate with insurance companies, pursuing a fair settlement that adequately covers your losses. In the event that a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will represent you in court, presenting your case to a judge and jury, and fight for your rights to receive the compensation you deserve.

With our experience and knowledge of the legal system, we can provide the support and representation necessary to navigate the complexities of your case and help you secure the compensation you deserve. If you have been involved in an accident with a fatigued driver, call us at one of our many Maryland offices to schedule a free consultation. You can also use our contact form.