Practice Areas Car Accidents Sleep Driving and Fatigued Driver Accidents

A Driver Fatigue Lawyer Explains Sleep Driving and Fatigued Driving

Driving while fatigued is a dangerous act that can cause serious safety issues for other drivers on the roadway. Drowsy driving can cause serious car accidents and injuries to be sustained. In fact, hundreds of people a year are killed in crashes related to driving while fatigued. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 25 drivers surveyed in a CDC study reported that they had fallen asleep while driving in the past 30 days. Fatigued driving, also known as drowsy driving, can impair a driver’s ability to drive safely similar to how drunk driving substantially impairs an intoxicated driver ability to drive safely. Being awake for 24 hours is similar to having a blood alcohol content of .10%, well over the legal limit. 

If you were injured in an accident by a driver who was fatigued or fell asleep at the wheel, contact a driver fatigue lawyer at Banafshe Law Firm, PC today for a free case evaluation. Our firm focuses on our clients’ needs and our experienced personal injury attorneys vigorously fight for each and every client to help them receive the compensation they deserve for the injuries they sustained as a result of the negligence of another. 

Signs of Driver Fatigue on California Roadways

Some signs to look for while driving that may indicate driver fatigue include but are not limited to:

• Frequent yawning
• Drifting from lane to lane
• Hitting a rumble strip
• Frequent blinking while driving
• Difficulty remembering and having disconnected thoughts

If you are a driver who is showing some of these signs of fatigue, or you are a passenger in a car with a driver showing some of these signs, you are encouraged to pull the car over or ask that the driver pull the car over to make other transportation arrangements to ensure the safety of all passengers in the car and others on the road. 

Drivers Most at Risk of Drowsy Driving and Preventative Measures

Some drivers have a higher risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Some examples of higher risk drowsy drivers include, for example:

• Commercial drivers (such as drivers of tractor trailers, tow trucks, and buses, among others), 
• Employees working late shifts or long shifts, 
• Young drivers, and 
• Drivers with untreated sleep disorders. 

If you fit one of these categories of high risk drivers, you are encouraged to take extra safety precautions when driving to ensure your safety, and the safety of all other drivers on the road with you. Below are some preventative measures that can be taken to prevent drowsy driving:

• Be sure to get sufficient sleep before driving. 
• Take a break from driving every two hours or approximately every 100 miles.
• Avoid taking any substances before you plan to drive especially those that can make you sleepy such as medications that may cause drowsiness. 
• When you become fatigued while driving, pull over to a safe place like a rest area to get some sleep. 
• If you have a sleep disorder, you are encouraged to speak with your doctor about treatment options for your condition to allow you to safely drive without falling asleep at the wheel.

Next Step: Contact a Drowsy Driving Accident Lawyer at Banafshe Law Firm, PC for a Free Consultation

Were you injured in an accident caused by a fatigued driver? If so, contact a driver fatigue lawyer at Banafshe Law Firm, PC today for a free case evaluation. We have successfully advocated for thousands of clients throughout the great State of California who were injured. You can reach us 24/7 by calling 800-789-8840 or by completing our online form.