Tired Drivers: Underreported And Overlooked Dangers
Risky driving includes speeding, texting behind the wheel, and driving under the influence. And another one of the most dangerous, and frequently overlooked, threats on Miami’s roads is driver fatigue. Tired driving is a major factor in many accidents, yet it’s often underreported and ignored.
Fatigued drivers can be just as impaired as drunk drivers. When someone falls asleep at the wheel or becomes too tired to respond quickly to traffic conditions, they put everyone around them at risk. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a tired or drowsy driver, have a conversation with a Miami personal injury lawyer to learn more about what steps you can take to protect your rights.
Why Fatigue Is So Dangerous
Sleep deprivation affects coordination, reaction time, decision-making, and attention. In fact, studies show that being awake for 18 hours straight can impair a driver as much as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%. After 24 hours, that impairment is comparable to a BAC of 0.10%, well above the legal limit.
Unlike alcohol or drug use, fatigue isn’t easy to measure at the scene of a crash. There’s no breathalyzer for tiredness, and unless a driver admits to dozing off, it may not be noted in the police report. This means fatigue-related crashes often go under the radar or are misclassified as driver error.
What to Report, and How
If you suspect the other driver in an accident was fatigued, pay attention to any clues. Was the driver yawning excessively or unable to focus? Did they admit to being tired or falling asleep? Did witnesses see the vehicle swerving or drifting out of lanes before the crash?
Make sure to:
- Share your concerns with the police officer at the scene
- Mention signs of fatigue when giving your own statement
- Take notes or record voice memos about what you observed
- Ask witnesses if they noticed any erratic driving or signs of drowsiness
- Preserve any dash cam or surveillance footage that may support your claim
These details can be crucial later if you’re filing an injury claim.
Plus, as is true in any accident, seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine initially. Injuries from fatigue-related crashes can be serious due to delayed braking or high-speed impact.
Stay safe, stay aware, and remember that fatigue behind the wheel is never harmless. Tired drivers are a hidden threat on Miami’s roads as they are typically not called out and are often dismissed. Following a tired driver collision, contact a Miami personal injury lawyer. Proving fatigue can be complex, and a skilled lawyer can help investigate the crash, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Was it a tired driver who struck you on a Florida roadway? After being hurt in an accident involving a drowsy or fatigued driver, don’t dismiss it as bad luck. You have legal options, and the attorneys at Spencer Morgan Law can help you hold the responsible party accountable. Call 305-423-3800 to book a confidential consultation.