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Fatigued driving can kill innocent people

Most drivers know not to drive if they’re drinking alcohol or distracted but some don’t realize how deadly it is to drive while they’re fatigued. A driver who has gone 20 hours without sleep will have similar effects as one who’s at the legal limit of .08% for their blood alcohol concentration. 

A person who’s fatigued is three times more likely to be involved in a crash than a person who’s well rested. This is because the driver’s reaction time and ability to drive safely will tank when they need sleep. 

Micro-sleeps are deadly

A person who’s very tired but trying to stay awake may experience micro-sleeps. These are very short periods when they nod off. They often last four to five seconds. While that might not seem like a long time, consider this: a vehicle that’s going 55 miles per hour can go the length of a regulation football field in that amount of time. That’s a considerable distance for a vehicle to be uncontrolled. 

There aren’t any quick fixes for a driver who’s fatigued. Things like drinking caffeine, playing music or opening the window might work as a short-term solution, but none of those should be relied on for the long-term. Getting sleep is the only way that a driver can correct fatigue. 

People who are injured by a fatigued driver should ensure they get the medical care they need. Seeking compensation is possible. This can help you to recover the financial damages of the crash. Your time is limited by Illinois law, so be sure to act quickly.

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