What are the dangers of fatigued driving?

Driving while fatigued in Illinois might not seem particularly dangerous compared to driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. But in fact, driving while sleep-deprived can produce a similar affect to driving after consuming alcohol. Fatigued driving makes you confused, less alert and slower to react, which can lead to accidents on the highway.

How can you prevent fatigued driving?

To reduce your risk of motor vehicle accidents, you shouldn’t get on the road unless you’ve had at least six hours of sleep beforehand. If you didn’t get enough sleep, have someone else take over driving duties. When you travel long distances, adopt a driving schedule that mimics your regular sleep schedule: Drive during the day and find a place to stay overnight.

If you start to get fatigued, pull over and find a place to take a nap if possible. You should also drive with a passenger who can stay awake and take over the driver’s seat if necessary. In extreme situations, you can drink caffeine to stay awake. But overall, you shouldn’t get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you won’t be awake and alert. Being distracted for even a moment can lead to serious injuries.

When you’re driving, you might be showing signs of fatigue if you find yourself daydreaming or wishing you could stop driving for a while. You might also miss your exits or start drifting out of the lane. When this happens, it’s important to get off the road as soon as possible.

What if somebody hits my vehicle?

Getting in a car accident isn’t just an inconvenience. Even if your injuries are minor, you could find yourself wondering how you’ll pay to get your car fixed as well as make up for the wages you lost when you took time off work. An attorney may be able to help you get the compensation you need to move on with your life.