The Dangers of Driver Fatigue

According to the Canada Safety Council, 20 percent of Canadian drivers admit that they have fallen asleep while driving at least one time over the past year. Drowsy driving is a factor in up to 21 percent of accidents, according to the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, resulting in approximately 2,100 injuries and 400 fatalities annually. 

We now understand that driver fatigue can be just as dangerous behind the wheel as driver impairment. When a driver is operating a motor vehicle when they are not alert and well-rested, their reaction time is slower, leading to potentially serious accidents. People who don’t get enough sleep or those who are chronically sleep-deprived can exhibit behaviors similar to someone who is drug or alcohol-impaired, such as blurred vision, rambling speech patterns, faulty judgment, and impaired thought processes. 

What Causes Driver Fatigue or Drowsy Driving?

Research by the National Sleep Foundation advises that healthy adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Depending on the individual, less than that over a period of even a day or two can lead to impaired thinking and slower reaction time. Getting behind the wheel of a car while fatigued or drowsy puts everyone else on the road at risk and can lead to civil or even criminal liability. 

Drowsy driving is considered negligent driving under the law. When a drowsy driver causes an accident, he or she can be held liable for any injuries or damages caused to other drivers. 

If you have been involved in a car accident caused by a drowsy or fatigued driver, you have the right to hold that party accountable and liable for your damages. Contact the Cambridge, ON personal injury lawyers at Hilborn and Konduros for a free consultation to discuss your claim and understand your rights.