Fatigued Driver Information

The National Sleep Foundation’s recent study highlights a growing problem across the United States, fatigued drivers. Millions of motor vehicle collisions occur each and every year throughout the country due to driver fatigue. Motorists throughout the nation and in Florida choose to drive while tired for a number of reasons. One of the largest contributors to auto accidents due to fatigued drivers lies in a misconception of being “fine to drive”. When Florida drivers get behind the wheel, they are taking on a very serious responsibility. Not only are these people accountable for the passenger occupants within their vehicle, but they are also liable for any damages that they cause to other motorists on the roads and highways.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that approximately 100,000 police-reported motor vehicle accidents are directly linked to fatigued drivers. These statistics are reflected in Florida, as the Florida Highway Patrol continues to cite driver fatigue as a serious issue across the state. Based upon this recent upsurge in fatigued driver prevalence, research across the board points to fatigued driving being one of the newest leading causes of auto accidents in the country.

The majority of Americans will admit to having driven while tired at least once in their lifetime. While many believe that driving tired “just this one time” will be acceptable, most motorists would agree that traffic crashes happen in an instant. Any slight moment of dozing or trailing off can be the difference between life and death. Gordon & Partners has seen far too many instances where families have lost loved ones due to fatigued drivers. If you or a loved one has suffered from a traffic accident due to another’s negligence in driving while tired or sleeping behind the wheel, you may be entitled to compensations.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation at your earliest convenience for more information.

Signs of Fatigue

The middle of the afternoon and the early morning are most prime times for fatigue-related motor vehicle collisions to occur. When a driver is sleepy, they are unable to perform normal daily functions required to operate a vehicle safely. For instance, studies have proven that reaction time is greatly decreased when a driver is not well rested. Even worse, many of these fatigued drivers are actually unaware that they are tired to begin with. Being oblivious to signs of fatigue may be the difference between life and death.

The following are some of the most common signs of fatigue:

  • Excessive yawning

  • Missing traffic signals, signs, or exits

  • Drifting, swerving, or tailgating

  • Cannot remember last few miles traveled

  • Problems focusing

  • Heavy eyelids

  • Unusual irritability and restlessness

  • Frequent blinking

Signs of fatigue are actually quite noticeable once the driver is aware of what to look for and be aware of. Unfortunately, however, many Florida motorists recognize the onset of fatigue yet choose to ignore these feelings. While every driver has a destination in mind, a meeting to catch, or a place to be, ignoring these signs of fatigue puts you and every other driver on the roads and highways at serious risk. If you or a loved one has been involved in a Florida crash due to someone sleeping behind the wheel, Gordon & Partners is prepared to take on your case today.

To get started immediately, please fill out a Free Case Evaluation form.

Risks of Fatigued Driving

A driver who has been awake for more than 20 hours affects their ability to function properly while driving mirrors that of a person that is above the legal limit of .08 percent blood alcohol concentration while driving. Clearly, fatigued drivers are unable to navigate from point A to point B safely. Impaired judgment and slowed reaction times make it difficult for fatigued drivers to operate their vehicles the way that they normally would if well rested. As a result, thousands of auto accidents occur each year due to a sleepy motorist who ignored signs of exhaustion.

Fatigued drivers are often involved in collisions when they are taking a long drive or drive a vehicle for a living. It is certainly understandable that a person would need to be on the road for a lengthy period of time. Therefore, all Florida drivers must pay attention to the following tips for avoiding a driver fatigue collision:

  • Get out of the vehicle and stretch every 100 miles or so

  • Allot enough time to travel, never rush

  • Chew gum or drink caffeine to stay alert

  • Try to drive during times in which you would not be sleeping, night driving is a large contributor to car crashes

  • If any signs of fatigue arise, pull over in a safe location and take a 20 minute nap before driving again

  • Bring a passenger to keep the driver awake if it is possible

  • Avoid taking any medication

  • Be sure to get a proper sleep the night before travel

Keeping these risk factors and tips in mind will play a significant role in deterring the massive number of motor vehicle accidents occurring every year due to tired motorists. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, contact our auto accident lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Contact an Attorney Today

Gordon & Partners has many years of litigation experience in regard to fatigued drivers and sleeping behind the wheel. A common misconception lies in the thought process that supports fatigue accidents as a cut and dry case. Unfortunately, this is rarely the reality. When it comes to auto accidents in Florida, the legal representation must be able to prove that the driver not only fell asleep, but that their exhaustion was the cause of the collision. With years of experience and a number of expert resources to call on, our Florida personal injury firm understands what it takes to win.

To get started on your path to compensation, fill out a Free Case Evaluation as soon as possible.

Gordon & Partners - For The Injured®

1-855-722-2552

Gordon & Partners, P.A.

4114 Northlake Blvd
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Phone: 1-561-333-3333

Gordon & Partners - Plantation

8201 Peters Road, Suite 4000
Plantation, Florida 33324

Phone: 1-754-333-3333

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729 SW Federal Highway #212
Stuart, FL 34994

Phone: 1-772-333-3333

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777 Yamato Road, Suite 520
Boca Raton, FL 33487

Phone: 1-855-722-2552