Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Impaired vision, muddled thinking, slowed reaction time and judgment problems all are results of driver fatigue. Those issues, coupled with a moving vehicle can result in an accident causing serious injury or even death. Driver fatigue is common, according to a 2009 National Sleep Foundation poll. Approximately one-third of Americans admit to falling asleep while driving and 54 percent say that they have driven when drowsy. Fortunately, with some forethought and monitoring, you can manage driver fatigue before it causes a serious problem.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 56,000 sleep-related accidents occur in the United States every year, making driving fatigue a dangerous, and possibly fatal, condition. Combating driving fatigue is not simply about getting plenty of sleep before you drive, though that is important. It is also about knowing your limits and taking steps while on the road to minimize drowsiness.
Many factors can contribute to drivers becoming tired, sleepy or generally less aware of their surroundings, a condition known as driver fatigue. While the name implies tiredness, there are other things that contribute to this dangerous and preventable problem. When people drive while experiencing driver fatigue, they have decreased reaction times, less awareness and a higher likelihood for accidents.
Driver fatigue is a not only a concern for government officials but also a matter of public safety on transportation outlets, such as roads and bridges. Training helps all motor vehicle operators prevent accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) calculates that drowsy or fatigued driving causes at least approximately 100,000 police-reported crashes and kills more than 1,550 Americans each year. Sleepiness slows the driver's reaction time and decreases awareness. Drowsiness can also impair the driver's judgment and increases the risks of crashing. Since you do not want to be one of those statistics, here are some tips to help you avoid driver fatigue.
