Safe driving requires your full focus and attention, but not every driver makes safety the focus of their driving habits. Many people just try to get where they need to go as quickly as possible. Others knowingly get behind the wheel when they can’t commit their full focus or capabilities to the task.
Some people drive after having too much to drink. Many others get behind the wheel when they feel so tired they can barely keep their eyes open. Exhaustion or fatigue at the wheel can affect your driving skill by increasing your reaction times and making it harder to focus. Those who feel very tired may also fall asleep at the wheel, which usually means losing control of the vehicle. How frequently does that occur?
People fall asleep at the wheel more than you might think
Living on caffeine and working too hard are points of pride for many in America, but the focus on constant productivity means that not everyone gets enough sleep. Chronic fatigue can have long-term health consequences as well as short-term safety implications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, one in 25 adults admits falling asleep behind the wheel in the last month. The actual number of people dozing off at the wheel could be much higher, as people often aren’t honest when self-reporting their behavior.
Both drowsy driving and falling asleep at the wheel can cause a crash that leaves someone else injured or worse. When someone makes irresponsible decisions about driving, people harmed by their actions may decide to file an insurance claim or pursue a civil lawsuit to recoup their financial losses. An experienced attorney can help.