Driving is an activity that requires a lot of focus. Nowadays, driving is seen as more of a necessity than a luxury. People drive to get to work, collect the kids from school and attend urgent appointments.
The necessity of driving means that road users aren’t always able to ensure that they are in optimal condition to concentrate fully. Every year, around 100,000 drowsy driving incidents are reported to the authorities, with many of them resulting in serious injuries and even fatalities.
So, how do you spot a drowsy driver on the roads?
Erratic movements
Generally, roads will have a center line or border between neighboring lanes, which shouldn’t be crossed. Drowsy drivers can lose focus or even fall asleep completely, which means they are no longer in control of the vehicle. Crossing the centerline, swerving or rapidly slowing down or speeding up are just some forms of erratic behaviors that could indicate that the driver is drowsy.
Why drowsy driving is so dangerous
While driving can feel almost automatic for the seasoned road user, the truth is that it requires full concentration. A drowsy driver cannot pay attention to the roads, other vehicles and any potential hazards that may lead to an accident.
While you can take steps to ensure that you aren’t drowsy when driving, you cannot control the actions of others. If a drowsy driver has caused you to suffer severe injuries, then there may be options in terms of financial compensation. Seek legal guidance to find out more about your rights.