Driving while significantly dehydrated is a hidden danger that many drivers underestimate. Dehydration can cause fatigue and other symptoms that make it harder to operate your vehicle safely.

If a dehydrated driver caused your car crash in Minnesota, you may have a case for compensation. Our Minneapolis car accident lawyers have helped many crash victims receive compensation for their injuries.

We do not charge any upfront fees for our services. Contact us to set up a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help.

More than $1 billion recovered. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

What Are the Risks of Dehydrated Driving?

Dehydration means you’ve lost more fluids than you have taken in. This can affect you both physically and mentally, especially when you engage in activities like driving.

These are some of the effects of dehydration that could make it much harder to safely operate your vehicle:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Slower reflexes
• Impaired cognitive function
• Headaches
• Altered mood

These effects can compromise your ability to make quick decisions on the road. For example, you may not brake early enough when a driver in front of you makes a turn, or you may not notice a pedestrian crossing the street.

The extreme summer heat can cause drivers to lose fluids rapidly, and without sufficient hydration, reaction time slows down. A split-second delay can cause drivers to crash into a stationary object or another vehicle.

Is Dehydrated Driving Just as Dangerous as Drunk Driving?

It may be. A study from England’s Loughborough University found that sufficiently dehydrated drivers performed like legally drunk drivers in a driving test.

Researchers split up study participants into two groups. One group consumed seven ounces of water every hour while the other drank less than one ounce of water per hour.

The study participants then did a driving test, and researchers counted the number of errors each group made. The dehydrated group committed significantly more errors than the hydrated group, including drifting out of their lane, braking late or running over rumble strips.

Researchers concluded the dehydrated group performed like drivers who had a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit.

It is also important to note that dehydration is a common symptom of a hangover and hungover drivers may be at higher risk of causing a crash.

How Can Dehydration Cause a Minnesota Car Crash?

Driving dehydrated can cause various impairments that could lead to a collision:

Reduced Reaction Time

Dehydration slows cognitive functions, making it harder for drivers to react quickly to sudden changes on the road. For example, a dehydrated driver may not brake in time to avoid a collision with a vehicle that suddenly stops.

Impaired Judgment and Decision-Making

A dehydrated driver’s brain does not have the capacity to process information and make quick decisions. This can result in poor decision-making, such as misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic when making a turn.

Decreased Attention Span

Dehydration can limit your attention span and make it harder to stay focused on the road. Drivers who are not paying adequate attention might miss road signs or fail to notice changes in traffic patterns.

Weakness and Fatigue

Dehydrated drivers may be too weak and tense to control their vehicles. For instance, dehydration can make it hard for drivers to steer the wheel, use the gas and press on the brakes.

Dizziness and Lightheadedness

Severe dehydration can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness. A dizzy driver may lose control of their vehicle, drift into other lanes or even pass out while driving.

Blurred Vision

Dehydration can affect eye function, leading to blurred vision. A driver experiencing blurry vision might have trouble seeing the road clearly or judging distances, increasing the risk of a collision.

What Are the Symptoms of Dehydration to Watch For?

Drivers need to know the signs of dehydration before getting behind the wheel. That way they can have someone else drive or pull over when they notice symptoms:

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• A decrease in urine while using the restroom
• Confusion
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fainting
• Muscle cramps

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should address them immediately to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. If you’re experiencing these systems, get out of the sun and drink fluids.

How Can You Prove the Other Driver Is Liable for a Dehydration-Related Crash?

You may not need to prove dehydration to establish the other driver’s liability. Technically, you just need to prove the driver did something negligent when operating his or vehicle, such as speeding or not stopping to avoid a rear-end crash.

Evidence of dehydration could help support evidence of a negligent maneuver on the road. For instance, if the other driver looks fatigued or confused, you should inform the responding police officer. The officer may try to assess whether the other driver is impaired by alcohol, fatigued or dehydrated.

Dash cam or security camera footage may show the driver struggling to see or focus on the road or even fainting. However, this type of evidence does not always exist.

Proving liability for a car crash can be a complex task, which is why many victims seek counsel from an experienced attorney. For example, lawyers can obtain video footage of the crash, if it exists. They can also interview witnesses and consult experts to establish how the crash happened.

How Can I Avoid Driving While Dehydrated?

Summer temperatures increase the risk of dehydration. That is why people should take practical measures to decrease the risk of dehydration, especially if they plan on driving after being out in the hot sun.

Here are some steps you can take to lower the risk of driving dehydrated:

• Drink water when you wake up.
• Add fruits like grapes, watermelon, strawberries or apples to your diet.
• Carry a water bottle while driving.
• Pay attention to your body’s signals.
• If you start to get a headache or feel confused, have someone else drive.

The standard guidance is to drink six to eight glasses of water daily. However, your age, weight, activity level, climate and overall health determine how much water you need.

Steps to Take After a Car Crash Caused by Dehydration

Taking immediate action after a crash caused by dehydration is essential to protect your health and your right to seek compensation. Here are the steps you should follow:

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, you may not notice some of your injuries right away. See a doctor as soon as possible to check for hidden issues that could lead to complications later.

Report the Crash

Call law enforcement at the scene to report the crash. An official police report can be a valuable piece of evidence and support your claim.

Document the Scene

Take photos of the crash scene, such as damage to your vehicle or other personal property and any visible injuries.

Gather Witness Information

Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the crash.

Did a Dehydrated Driver Cause Your Crash? Call TSR Injury Law

If you were injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver, such as one who was dehydrated or impaired by alcohol, TSR Injury Law may be able to help. TSR Injury Law has secured millions for those injured in many types of crashes.

Our legal team offers a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. We will not charge you any upfront fees to speak with you.

Schedule a free initial consultation today: (612) TSR-TIME.