Drowsy driving is as dangerous as driving while drunk. This is because sleep deprivation affects a driver’s reaction times, and they’re unable to remain focused. For these reasons, drowsy drivers can cause serious accidents and injuries.
If you were involved in a car accident and suspect the other driver may have been driving while drowsy or tired, you may be right. According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey, approximately one in every 25 drivers reported falling asleep while driving. Therefore, drowsy driving accidents may be more common than you think.
Common signs of driver fatigue
Drowsiness may impair a driver’s ability in several ways. In most cases, drowsy drivers may exhibit the following signs:
- Not driving in a straight line
- Drifting from lane to lane dangerously
- Hitting the rumble strip repeatedly
- Sudden braking
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- How to prove the other driver was fatigued
Drivers owe a duty of care to other road users, and drivers who get behind the wheel when tired or drowsy violate that duty. But when it comes to proving fault for a wreck, how do you prove the driver who hit you was asleep (or nearly so) at the wheel?
Some of the evidence that you may use to prove the other driver was drowsy include:
- Statements from witnesses at the accident scene
- The employment records of the other driver. This can help prove they had just left work from a long shift.
- The other driver’s social media posts
- The police statement
There are many other different aspects that may help prove that the driver was drowsy or fatigued. For instance, if they ran a red light or exhibited other signs of drowsiness.
If you were injured in a car accident and suspect the other driver was drowsy, seeking legal assistance may help you recover financial compensation for all losses and any expenses you suffered from the crash.