Comedian Tracy Morgan’s frightening accident in 2014 that involved a fatigued truck driver has alerted many Nebraska drivers to the dangers of driving while not fully awake. What they may not know is that fatigue plays a major role in car accidents. It is estimated that 7,500 fatal crashes occur each year due to drowsy drivers. While the incidence of these crashes has increased, there are technologies becoming available that could reduce the number.
To combat the problem, some larger companies, for example, that rely on delivery trucks that have built-in technologies to prevent collisions. These technologies include forward collision warning systems, lane and road departure warning systems and steering adjustments that gauge drowsiness. Forward collision systems may brake for the driver or beep when the truck gets too close to the vehicle in front of it. Lane and road departure warnings also alert the driver when they have left the lane. For vehicles that gauge steering adjustments, the driver is alerted if they steer less as can happen when they become drowsy.
While these technologies and others can help prevent a fatigued driver from causing a crash, there are some things that the driver can also do. This includes taking a quick 15-minute nap and drinking something that has caffeine. However, if the driver does feel sleepy, it is best that they pull over or not get behind the wheel.
Although there are many ways drivers can avoid causing accidents while drowsy, crashes do still happen. A person who suffers an injury that was caused by a drowsy or otherwise negligent driver may potentially seek compensation for any losses sustained as a result by filing a personal injury claim. An attorney can often be of assistance to an injured victim in seeking damages from the responsible party.
