With the days once again getting shorter, more people are driving in the dark and finding themselves struggling to stay awake. This increases the odds of people driving while suffering from the effects of fatigue and exhaustion, which can be dangerous for them and every other driver on the road. Here are seven ways that exhaustion can lead to car accidents:

• Worse reaction time

1. 1. • On a basic level, exhaustion can make your reaction time significantly worse than it would be if you were well-rested. Even a delay of a second or so can make all the difference in being able to avoid a possible accident.

• Loss of control over the vehicle

1. 1. • Exhaustion can also cause people to struggle to maintain control of their vehicle, often exhibiting jerkier movements or a difficulty maintaining a steady hand. They may be more likely to swerve between lanes, or engage in other erratic movements as well.

• Worse judgment

1. 1. • Drivers struggling with fatigue may also exhibit worse judgment on the road, making poor decisions about their own safety. They may struggle to determine the safe distance from other vehicles for example, or may be more likely to cut off other drivers.

• Higher chance of missing signs and signals

1. 1. • When people are suffering from exhaustion, they may be less attentive, and thus may miss traffic signs and signals. This makes it more likely they will roll through stop signs, make illegal u-turns, or unwittingly engage in other dangerous or illegal driving habits.

• Increased distractability

1. 1. • It should come as no surprise that exhausted drivers also tend to be more easily distracted than people who are awake and alert. They may be more likely to look at their phone, or have their attention diverted by things like rowdy passengers in the back of their vehicle.

• Increased aggression

1. 1. • Fatigue can also make people much more irritable, which in turn makes it more likely they will engage in aggressive driving habits. This may lead to things like tailgating, brake checking, or even potential acts of road rage.

• Falling asleep behind the wheel

1. • In the worst case scenario, someone suffering from exhaustion may fall asleep while driving a vehicle. Even so-called “microsleeps,” where someone nods off for a second or two, can be enough to lead to catastrophic car accidents.

If you or someone you know has been sickened or injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, contact the New York personal injury lawyers at the Katter Law Firm. We will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 212-809-4293, or visit our contact page.