Reasons Not to Get Behind the Wheel When Tired

Driving down Illinois roads while drowsy is a dangerous thing to do. Many people are willing to risk driving while drowsy because they figure that they will be able to keep themselves awake long enough to make it to their destination. Unfortunately, the fact that one in five automobile accidents is connected to driving while fatigued shows that this problem is a lot more serious than people make it out to be.

On World Sleep Day in 2019, a major car manufacturer took advantage of the opportunity to help young people see just how dangerous driving while tired can be. To assist them, they used a “Sleep Suit.” The suit consisted of a vest, ankle and wrist bands, and headgear, which when combined weighed about 40 pounds. This entire suit gives drivers a better understanding of how driving while tired impacts them.

With the suit, drivers were given a special pair of glasses that connected to a smartphone app. These glasses simulate the way that fatigue can affect a person’s perceptions while driving. When a person goes 18 hours without sleep, their driving can be impaired to the point where it is comparable to that of an individual who is driving over the drinking limit. An individual in this condition may experience micro sleeps. This leads to them driving blind for up to 10 seconds or more, even though their eyes are open. These goggles simulate this effect by temporarily blinding their wearers for as little as half a second up to 10 seconds.

Being a victim of an automobile accident caused by someone who is driving while tired can be life shattering. A personal injury attorney may help their client evaluate and assemble a civil claim. They do this by working with their client to review evidence gathered from investigations by local authorities, information provided by eyewitnesses and footage captured by cellphones or surveillance cameras. This information may be used to help the client negotiate a settlement with the responsible party.