Drowsy driving is such a serious problem that experts have compared its effects to those of alcohol impaired driving. According to NHTSA, over 100,000 crashes each year are the result of drowsy driving. These accidents cause more than 40,000 injuries and over 1,500 deaths. There is no test for drowsy driving like there is for drugs or alcohol, so it is up to drivers to act responsibly. Common causes of drowsy driving include:
Driving late at night, usually after midnight. Your body’s natural rhythm gets affected when you are in the habit of sleeping at this time.
Use of sedative medications
Sleep disorders such as apnea and narcolepsy
Use of alcohol that intensifies the effects
The population that is most likely to engage in drowsy driving includes:
Men under 30
Shift workers that work long or night shifts
People with untreated sleep disorders
Drivers without adequate sleep
Common signs of drowsy driving include:
Forgetting the past few miles driven
Drifting to another lane
Yawning frequently
Blinking frequently
Hitting a rumble strip
Missing an exit
In order to combat drowsy driving among truck drivers, structer rules governing the amount of hours they can work have been enacted into law. Other ways to avoid drowsy driving for everyday drivers are:
Plan ahead and get between 7-9 hours of sleep
Avoid medications and alcohol
Don’t drive alone
Schedule regular stops on long trips
Consume caffeine
Take a nap of no more than 20 minutes
If you or a loved one has been in an accident due to the negligence of a drowsy driver, contact an experienced NY car accident attorney today.
