Did You Know that Drowsy Driving is a Factor in Almost 10 Percent of Car Accidents?
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety, drowsy driving is a factor in about 9.5 percent of all car accidents. This is a significant increase from previously established government statistics that estimated drowsiness to be involved in only a few percent of crashes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 35 percent of drivers in the United States get less than the recommended minimum of seven hours of daily sleep. The CDC also indicated that government statistics were likely underestimated. With the significant chances of drivers being tired or distracted, help you navigate the legal process after you were injured in a motor vehicle crash.
Drivers Need a Good Night’s Sleep
AAA experts recommend sleep as the only real solution to a drowsy driving problem. Tactics like drinking caffeinated beverages and energy drinks, singing, and rolling down the window will not work over the long term. The body’s need for sleep will override the brain’s attempts to stay awake eventually. An auto accident lawyer can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been injured due to another’s negligence, sleep-deprivation, or otherwise irresponsible actions.
Tips to Help You Stay Alert Behind the Wheel
The tips below can help to dramatically reduce your risk of drowsiness or falling asleep behind the wheel.
- Avoid eating heavy, filling foods before or during your drive—a large meal can make you sleepy.
- Travel with a passenger when possible. Passengers provide conversation and engagement. Plus, the other person can get behind the wheel if you become too tired.
- Be mindful of the side effects of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you take. If they cause drowsiness, you may have to stop the medicine temporarily. Or, only drive when the effects of drowsiness are least likely to occur.
- Stay hydrated. Although drinking lots of water may mean more bathroom stops, that’s perfectly okay. Frequent stops can also help you stay alert and awake. Also, you should stop for a power nap if you feel sleepy.
As an auto accident lawyer might explain, when all else fails, you should pull over in a safe location and sleep. Better safe than sorry. Should you be involved in an accident in which another driver fell asleep at the wheel, you may be able to recover monetary compensation. Please call an auto accident lawyer to explore your legal options.
Technology Can Provide Some Assistance
New technological advancements in-vehicle technology may be helpful. Some late model cars have installed a driver alertness monitor. The alertness monitor sets off an alarm if it discerns that the driver is drowsy and sleepy. This feature is not intended to keep drivers awake, just to alert them that their fatigue level is becoming dangerous. Some vehicles have technology that will even bring the car to a complete stop and turn on the hazard lights if the operator becomes unresponsive.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, an auto accident lawyer may be able to help you recover damages for your harm and losses. If another’s negligence, recklessness, wrongful conduct, or carelessness caused your injury, the knowledgeable and experienced skilled legal team can help. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation about your case.
