When people spend more time on the road, they may face an even higher chance of being involved in a motor vehicle collision simply because there are more opportunities for something to go wrong. However, this is not the only reason why driving for long periods of time can heighten the likelihood of motor vehicle collisions. In fact, sitting behind the wheel for an extended amount of time can lead to other concerns, such as drowsiness and distraction, and this can also cause a wreck.
For starters, many drivers who spend a lot of time on the road can become tired. From road trips to another state to driving back and forth to help a loved one move into a new home, being on the road for long periods of time can be exhausting. This can lead to driver fatigue, which is very dangerous. Drivers may be unable to stay alert while operating a vehicle, or they could even fall asleep while on the road.
Aside from fatigue, the risk of becoming distracted can also increase when one is on the road for a long time. For example, someone may have to take care of other responsibilities in their life, from issues involving family members to business-related responsibilities. Some people may use their phones in order to address these responsibilities, which can significantly increase the chances of a crash. Drivers may also become very bored because they have been on the road for so long, causing them to become distracted due to watching shows on their devices, talking to friends, etc.