Feeling a bit tired? Are you yawning a lot? Those eyelids feeling a tad heavy? Then maybe you shouldn’t get behind the wheel of your car.
A couple of months ago, we discussed in this blog post how fatigued truck drivers pose a threat to everyone on the roadway. But they’re not the only ones who are driving while tired. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving is just another form of impaired driving. Much like taking a drink or a drug before driving, being sleep deprived can severely impact your reaction time, judgment, and decision making. In 2014, about 2.4 percent of all traffic related fatalities were caused by drowsy driving, a statistic that has been consistent for the past decade. Those who are at highest risk for fatigued driving are:
- Young men between 17 and 23 years old
- People who suffer with sleep disorders
- Shift workers who work either night, long hours, or have an irregular schedule
- People who sleep less than 6 hours a night
There are ways when you can avoid drowsy driving. For instance, getting a good night’s sleep is probably the best solution to the problem. However, if that isn’t possible, here’s a few more solutions to the problem:
- Avoid drinking and driving. Not only is it illegal, about drinking usually leads to fatigue.
- Before taking a long road trip, make sure you get at least 7-9 hours of sleep.
- If you take medications that cause drowsiness, try to use public transportation. Or consider avoid driving during peak sleepiness periods (midnight to 6 a.m. and late afternoon).
- Stay vigilant for signs of drowsiness. If you feel your eyelids start to close, pull to the side of the road, get some coffee, and take a 20-minute nap. Even a short nap can increase your alertness.
But what happens if you do get into an accident with a drowsy driver? Then you contact the Houston car accident lawyers at de Lachica Law Firm, PLLC, and will assist you in getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us today for a free consultation.