Drowsy driving is a major problem in the United States. The risk, danger, and often tragic results of drowsy driving are alarming. Drowsy driving is the dangerous combination of driving and sleepiness or fatigue. Drowsy driving occurs when a person who is operating a motor vehicle is too tired to remain alert. As a result the driver may have slow reaction times, reduced vigilance and impaired thinking. In the worst case the driver may fall asleep behind the wheel.
No one knows the exact moment when sleep comes over their body. Falling asleep at the wheel is clearly dangerous, but being sleepy affects your ability to drive safely even if you don’t fall asleep. drowsiness makes drivers less able to pay attention to the road, slows reaction time if you have to brake or steer suddenly, and affects a driver’s ability to make good decisions.
Learn the warning signs of drowsy driving:
– Yawning or blinking frequently.
– Difficulty remembering the past few miles driven.
– Missing your exit.
– Drifting from your lane.
– Hitting a rumble strip on the side of the road.
If you experience any of these warnings signs, pull over to rest or change drivers. Simply turning up the radio or opening the window are not effective ways to keep you alert.
Prevent drowsy driving before taking the wheel:
– Get enough sleep! Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a day, while teens need at least 8 hours.
– Develop good sleeping habits such as sticking to a sleep schedule.
If you have a sleep disorder or have symptoms of a sleep disorder such as snoring or feeling sleepy during the day, talk to your physician about treatment options.
According to a survey among nearly 150,000 adults in 19 states and the District of Columbia: 4% reported that they had fallen asleep while driving at least once in the previous 30 days. Individuals who snored or usually slept 6 or fewer hours per day were more likely to report falling asleep while driving.
Drowsy Driving – Know the Facts
“Drowsy driving” occurs when a person who is operating a motor vehicle is too tired to remain alert. As a result the driver may have slow reaction times, reduced vigilance and impaired thinking. In the worst case the driver may fall asleep behind the wheel.
Drowsy Driving Facts:
Time – Accidents are most common late at night and early in the morning. This is the body’s natural sleep period. Sleepiness also can peak in the middle of the afternoon. Older adults are more likely to have a drowsy-driving accident in the mid-afternoon. Drowsy-driving accidents are most common among young men in their teens, 20s and 30s. These accidents tend to occur between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Speed – Severe drowsy driving accidents most often occur at high speeds on highways and other major roadways. However, drowsy driving accidents can occur slower speeds.
Driver Behavior – In many cases, drivers who are drowsy make no effort to brake or avoid an accident. Oftentimes, at least one vehicle may veer off the road.
If you were involved in a car accident due to a drowsy driver, let us help! Call Jacobson, Schrinsky & Houck in Milwaukee today at (414) 223-4444 to have one of our caring lawyers come out to meet you and get car accident help today.
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