When it comes to driver fatigue relies on several factors that slows down one’s reactions to a dangerous level. Being “sleepy”, “drowsy”, or “exhausted” while driving can result in the same tragedy. According to the Transport Accident Commission (2016), around 20 percent of accidents involve driver fatigue. At the scene of an accident, it is extremely difficult to prove driver fatigue but there are several clues investigators look for. If the accident only involves one vehicle and there are no signs of braking or slowing down, there is a good chance driver fatigue was at fault.

Fatigue Causes impaired reaction time and judgment. While driving, the lack of reaction and judgment can become serious quickly. Driving while sleepy causes issues with information processing and short-term memory. So if someone is sleepy and sees a sign warning one of upcoming curves or dangers, they will not process the information in a timely manner. When someone is exhausted it decreases performance, vigilance and motivation.

Several states are in the process of creating legislation to prosecute those who drive while they are tired. Not only is a person putting their own life at risk, but the lives of so many others by taking the chance of driving while fatigued. There are several reason why someone is tired and may not even know it. The quality of sleep that a person gets plays a large role on how attentive they are. If someone does sleep for six to eight hours every night, but the sleep is broken, or poor quality that is almost as bad as not sleeping at all. A person who has been awake for 17 hours or more can be compared to someone who is legally impaired by alcohol.

There is a company that made it possible to conduct a sleep study in the comfort of one’s own home. The VirtuOx Company has designed a line of VPOD products that will allow someone to have the knowledge of how much sleep and the quality of their sleep with ease. Everyone should have an idea of how they sleep, if they need more or less, and the quality of their sleep to ensure they can have the best day possible. For a few buck someone has the option to ensure they are not taking excessive chances by driving while fatigued.

There are several factors that can create a car accident. Driver fatigue is something that cannot be controlled and needs to be done with extreme caution. There are so many distractions and conditions involved in every day driving. There is no need to take any additional chances by driving while being tired. Some symptoms of driver fatigue are sore or heavy eyes, yawning, slower reaction times, finding you're daydreaming, lack of concentration, driving speeds are inconsistent, and impatience.

Some tips to avoid driver fatigue are to get a good night's sleep before a trip, don't travel for more than 8.5 hours a day as well as take regular breaks – at least every 2-3 hours, share the driving wherever possible, don't travel at your normal sleep times, take a 15-20 minute nap if you feel tired or sleepy or simply get a hotel room or nap at a rest area.