Drowsy driving is a dangerous habit. If people choose to operate motor vehicles when they feel fatigued, they could easily make dangerous mistakes. Fatigue affects the ability to focus. It undermines decision-making capabilities. Drowsy people also have longer reaction times, which can be the deciding factor in whether a crash occurs or a driver can effectively avoid a collision.
Fatigued driving is a safety concern at all times of the day and throughout the year. People who work exceptionally long hours or overnight shifts might be exhausted as they make their way home from work. Many others simply do not get the rest that they require to drive safely.
That being said, the risk of drowsy driving causing collisions is often higher in the fall and winter months.
Light Levels Affect the Human Body
During the fall, the days start getting shorter, and the sun sets earlier. Additionally, the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth tilts away from the sun, meaning that the light that does reach the Earth is not as bright and powerful.
When the Northern Hemisphere experiences autumn and winter, the changes in light levels have a verifiable impact on people’s circadian rhythms. They tend to feel tired earlier in the day.
Even in warmer climates, the change in light levels can have a noticeable impact on how alert people are, especially first thing in the morning or in the afternoon on their way home. Combine that with the challenges of adjusting to the academic school year in the fall or preparing for holiday celebrations in the winter, and the potential for fatigued driving is clearly much higher than usual.
Proving that a driver was too fatigued for safety is sometimes possible. If they just worked a double shift at work, there could be employment records corroborating the assertion that they have gone too long without sleep. Most of the time, however, those affected by drowsy driving have to focus on the deficits caused by drowsiness rather than trying to prove fatigue in particular.
Reviewing what happened before and during a car crash can help injured people evaluate their options. Drowsy drivers may be liable for the property damage and injuries they cause by driving when they are too tired to safely control a vehicle.
Contact Our California Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by a drowsy or fatigued driver, you shouldn’t have to carry the burden alone. Our team is here to investigate what happened, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.