Fatigue may increase the risk of a crash

On Behalf of Lake Tindall, LLP | January 11, 2023 | Car Accidents

Operating a vehicle while fatigued is often considered to be a negligent act because driving while tired may significantly increase your risk of getting into an accident. Furthermore, impairment caused by drowsiness may increase the severity of a wreck that takes place on Mississippi roads.

Diminished concentration

One of the primary side effects of fatigue is an inability to process information quickly enough. A truck driver could fail to notice that another vehicle is making a lane change or has entered into the truck’s blind spot. A tired commercial operator may also make lane changes without using a turn signal or make turns without looking ensuring that it’s safe.

Delayed reaction time

Even if a drowsy driver does notice a hazard it may not be possible to do anything about it as fatigue can result in a slower reaction time. Therefore, a motorist may not be able to hit the brakes or take other steps to avoid a truck accident.

Passing out

At some point, the body will override the mind’s attempts to stay awake. Drivers may actually experience something called microsleep in which a person falls asleep for several seconds without realizing it. Falling asleep behind the wheel makes it almost impossible to maintain a lane, which might result in a collision.

If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a tired trucker, you may be entitled to compensation to repair or replace items damaged in the crash. A police report, witness statements or other evidence may be used to verify that the defendant was too tired to operate a vehicle when the collision occurred.