What Causes Driver Fatigue?
Driver fatigue, also known as drowsy driving, is incredibly dangerous and a main contributor to car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 693 deaths in 2022 caused by drowsy driving. Driving while fatigued greatly reduces reaction time, causes impaired judgment, and greatly inhibits your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. In understanding the grave consequences of driver fatigue, it is important to understand what causes it in the first place. In this article, we will explore some key contributing factors to driver fatigue.
Lack of Sleep
The most logical reason why someone may be experiencing driver fatigue is due to a lack of sleep. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most adults need approximately seven hours of sleep each night, yet one in three adults report that they don’t get the recommended amount of sleep each night. Getting a good night’s rest is incredibly important to regulate your body and help it reset, and failure to do so is likely to result in chronic fatigue, reduced alertness, slowed reaction times, and difficulty focusing – all of which are essential to the safe operation of a vehicle.
Irregular Sleeping Patterns
Irregular sleeping patterns can also significantly contribute to driver fatigue. When individuals do not have a consistent sleep schedule, their circadian rhythm can become disrupted, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay awake, and decreasing the quality of sleep one gets. This is a particular concern for commercial truck drivers who often drive in the late night and early morning hours, as well as other individuals who may have unpredictable work schedules or are traveling often.
Time of Day
The time of day in which an individual is driving can also play a role in driver fatigue, as certain periods of the day are known for being more conducive to drowsiness. Specifically, during the early morning hours (2:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M.) and mid-afternoon (2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.), the human body typically experiences a natural dip in alertness. If you are driving during these times of day, it is important to be particularly cautious or, better yet, avoid driving during these times altogether.
Medication
While less commonly thought of, medications can also cause driver fatigue. Certain medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and even herbal supplements, can cause side effects that cause drowsiness and impair cognitive functions. If you are taking any new medications, it is important that you are aware of these potential side effects and accommodate your schedule and driving arrangements accordingly in order to avoid drowsy driving.
Stress
One final factor that can contribute to driver fatigue is stress. When an individual is stressed, their cortisol levels rise, and physical and mental exhaustion results. Stressful situations, whether it be from work pressures or personal issues, can greatly interfere with your ability to sleep, concentrate, and stay alert. If you are stressed, it is important to do what you can to help manage your stress through relaxation techniques, therapy, and exercise.
Reducing Driver Fatigue
By understanding and addressing the main causes of driver fatigue mentioned above, drivers can greatly reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents. If you are involved in a car accident caused by drowsy driving, it is important to seek legal assistance from a Burien car accident lawyer who can help guide you through the legal process. However, if you adopt important practices such as getting adequate sleep and managing your stress levels, you will be on the right path toward reducing the prominence of driver fatigue and the grave consequences it can have for all individuals on the road.