Rideshare driving has exploded in popularity across the United States in recent years. Services like Uber and Lyft allow drivers the flexibility to work when they want, for as long as they want. However, long shifts behind the wheel carry serious risks that rideshare drivers in South Carolina need to be aware of.
The Prevalence of Fatigue in Rideshare Drivers
Numerous studies have shown that fatigue is a major issue for rideshare drivers. A recent survey by the National Sleep Foundation found that 74% of Uber drivers have driven while drowsy at some point. Reasons for fatigue include:
- Long shifts – Some drivers work shifts longer than 12 hours to maximize earnings. This leads to mental and physical exhaustion.
- Irregular schedules – Instead of regular 9-5 schedule, rideshare drivers work variable hours. This can disrupt circadian rhythms and natural sleep patterns.
- Night driving – Late night pickups and drop-offs are common. Driving at night is more likely to induce fatigue.
With rideshare drivers spending so many hours on the road, fatigue is almost inevitable at some point.
Dangers of Drowsy Driving
Driving while fatigued poses serious risks for rideshare drivers and everyone else on South Carolina’s roads. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), being awake for 18 hours straight produces impairment equal to having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%. After 24 hours awake, impairment is equal to a BAC of 0.10%.
Effects of drowsy driving include:
- Slower reaction times
- Decreased attention and alertness
- Problems with information processing and memory
- Difficulty controlling speed and lane position
- Reduced coordination and judgment
These effects make it far more likely for fatigued drivers to be involved in accidents. Drowsy driving causes thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries each year nationwide.
South Carolina’s Rideshare Driver Fatigue Problem
Certain factors in South Carolina contribute to rideshare driver fatigue:
- Tourism industry – Major destinations like Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Hilton Head Island have rideshare drivers working long hours, especially during peak tourism seasons.
- College towns – Rideshare drivers in college towns work late nights transporting students. Columbia, Clemson, and Charleston all pose fatigue risks.
- Urban centers – Bigger metro areas like Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston have high rideshare demand at all hours. Drivers take on long shifts to chase surge pricing and promotions.
- Rural areas – Long distances between ride requests can make rural driving especially tiring throughout South Carolina.
With over 15,000 rideshare drivers estimated to be active statewide, fatigue behind the wheel is a major traffic safety issue in South Carolina.
Tips for Rideshare Drivers to Prevent Fatigue
To reduce risks from drowsy driving, South Carolina rideshare drivers should:
- Track driving time and limit shifts to 12 hours or less
- Take regular breaks – stop for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours
- Avoid driving between midnight and 6 a.m. when fatigue risks are highest
- Nap before starting a long shift
- Stay hydrated and avoid heavy foods which cause drowsiness
- Have a caffeinated drink but avoid energy drink overuse
- Stop driving if feeling sleepy – find a safe place to nap for 15-45 minutes
Fatigue is unavoidable if driving excessive hours. Safety should take priority over earning higher fares.
Legal Options for Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drowsy rideshare driver in South Carolina, you may have legal options. An experienced personal injury attorney can help recover damages. At Monge & Associates, our qualified personal injury lawyers have years of experience assisting car accident victims across 32 locations in 19 states, including South Carolina, Georgia, and Colorado. If you believe fatigue contributed to your rideshare accident, contact us for a free case evaluation at (888) 477-0597.