The numbers don’t lie: Drowsy driving causes a deplorable number of accidents on U.S. roads. According to DrowsyDriving.org, 100,000 crashes happen every year due to driver fatigue.
There are several steps a person can take to avoid drowsy driving accidents such as:
- Get plenty of sleep and if you aren’t able to get to sleep then you should find ways improving your sleep. You can do this by going to a doctor to see if they can help. They could give you medication or they could give you advice like getting a more comfortable mattress like a Leesa mattress;
- Avoid driving at times when you normally sleep as your body won’t be able to process the fact that it is awake outside of it’s normal sleeping time. Your body has a natural alarm clock you need to stick to;
- Do not drive for more than three consecutive hours as you can’t focus for that long without a break.
Unfortunately, you cannot control the actions of other motorists. If you were injured in a crash with a drowsy driver in Florida, turn to Probinsky & Cole.
A Sarasota personal-injury attorney will help you claim compensation for lost wages, medical bills and non-economic damages. Our legal team will help you avoid mistakes such as overlooking certain damages, accepting a low settlement or signing a general release. Call 866-805-8947 to schedule a free consultation.
Drowsy Driving Risk Factors
No one is immune to fatigue, but some demographics cause a disproportionate number of drowsy driving collisions. Due to their busy work and school schedules, teens and young adults are more likely to drive while fatigued.
You are also at a particularly high risk if you have more than one job. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea also increase your likelihood of getting in a drowsy driving wreck.
Dangers of Drowsy Driving
In many ways, drowsy driving is similar to driving drunk. According to Discovery.com, fatigue can cause you to make careless mistakes that are common among intoxicated motorists.
Fatigue impairs a driver’s reaction time, decision-making and coordination. For these reasons, drowsy drivers have difficulty parallel parking, overtaking or navigating traffic. They also may not notice hazards in time to take evasive action.
Drowsy Driving Warning Signs
Just because you yawn once or twice does not mean that you are too tired to drive safely. This is particularly common for people who drive to work early.
However, you should be concerned if you notice:
- Your eyes stay closed longer than usual when you blink;
- Your head bobs forward and then jerks upright; or
- You fail to check your mirrors regularly.
If you notice the signs of fatigue, pull over and take a 20-minute nap. Drinking caffeinated beverages may also provide temporary relief.
Although you have complete control over your decision not to drive fatigued, you never know when another motorist is too tired to drive. You should keep your distance from drivers who show these signs of drowsiness:
- Stopping well before or after a stop line;
- Parking far from the curb;
- Swerving;
- Drifting and then jerking the wheel; or
- Abnormal braking and accelerating patterns.
If you sustained injuries in a crash with a drowsy or negligent motorist, you may be entitled to compensation. If the incident happened in Florida, contact Probinsky & Cole.
A final note, for those who work on the road for long periods of time, it is the law to have functional eld devices with you because of the movement away from paperwork to reduce the carbon footprint.
A Sarasota car accident lawyer will evaluate your case, gather evidence and handle settlement negotiations on your behalf. Call 866-805-8947 to schedule a free consultation.
