Connecticut drivers see advertisements and billboards everywhere telling them not to drive drunk. However, they are not told of the dangers of driving while fatigued. The truth is that the hazards of driving without sleep can be every bit as bad as driving while intoxicated.
What is truly alarming is the number of drivers who will readily admit that they have fallen asleep behind the wheel. One in five has done this just in the past year alone. One does not have to doze off for more than a few seconds for it to pose a huge danger to themselves and other drivers on the road.
The effects of driving while fatigued are drastic. When one is tired, their reaction times are slowed. When they are driving at a high speed, just drifting off for a second or two can prevent them from avoiding an accident. In fact, researchers have determined that driving without having slept for 20 hours is the same as driving with a blood-alcohol level of .08. In nearly all states, that is the legal limit for drunk driving. One should make sure that they are well-rested when they get behind the wheel. If they find themselves beginning to drift, they should pull over and get some rest instead of trying to power through their fatigue. This will help them reach their destination safely.
Someone who has been injured in an accident with a fatigued driver can file a claim or a lawsuit. They may be entitled to substantial financial compensation so long as they can prove that they were not at fault for the accident. They should retain a motor vehicle accidents attorney to assist them in dealing with the insurance company and trying to reach a settlement agreement. The attorney may file a lawsuit on their behalf.
