Technology developed by Arizona company may prevent fatigue accidents

March 26, 2014

Almost everyone knows what it feels like when they're too tired to drive. The feeling of being unable to keep your eyes open and concentrate on the road can be scary, yet many Americans risk drowsy driving every day. Our busy lifestyles have contributed in part to the thousands of fatigue-related accidents in the U.S. each year. Perhaps we're so used to getting through the day sleep-deprived that we may not think being a little sleepy is such a bit deal.

However, the Centers for Disease Control say that over a third of all fatal accidents are caused by tired drivers. Approximately 60 percent of drivers have admitted to driving while sleepy during the past year, while nearly 40 percent have actually nodded off behind the wheel. Drowsy driving is a big problem in Arizona, with CBS 5 AZ reporting 248 fatal accidents caused by sleepy drivers last year.

Computer Equipment Can Detect Signs Of Driver Fatigue

An Arizona company has recently developed a groundbreaking piece of technology that can potentially save thousands of lives by detecting drowsiness in drivers. The product, mounted in a truck's cab, analyzes facial features and sends an alert to a person at a monitor if the driver shows signs of sleepiness. The driver can then be ordered to pull over for some much-needed rest. This product can end up preventing deadly commercial trucking accidents, but may be available for consumer purchase within the next few years. This can help to warn drivers to pull over if they're too stubborn to acknowledge on their own that they shouldn't be driving.

Until then, the National Sleep Foundation says responsible drivers should pull over at a rest stop, or even a safe place on the shoulder, for a nap if they have any of the following signs of drowsiness:
- Yawning more often than usual or sandy, drooping eyelids.
- Drifting into another lane or off the side of the road.
- Difficulty interpreting signs or concentrating on the road.
- Loss of memory of the last few miles or minutes driven.
- Nodding off at the wheel.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, it's not effective for long to play loud music or blast cold air into the car - even drinking caffeine may not keep you awake long enough to reach your destination safely. Before starting a trip, it's important to get enough sleep and to avoid taking medications that cause drowsiness.

Even with the best precautions, you may not be able to prevent an accident caused by someone else. If you've been injured by someone who was too tired to drive, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your rights.

Visit us at phoenix-caraccidentlawyer.com/