Lack of sleep can easily lead to disastrous consequences, such as a car accident. Drowsy driving is a serious matter and is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 35 percent of drivers in the United States sleep less than the recommended seven hours each night. Moreover, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 72,000 motor vehicle accidents happen each year because of drowsy driving.
What are the Warning Signs of Extreme Fatigue?
Falling asleep while controlling a motor vehicle is dangerous. Oftentimes, a driver may not even realize there are drowsy before it is too late. Signs of sleepiness include frequently yawning or blinking heavily. Eyes will naturally blink in an attempt to regain focus. Drowsy drivers have also reported that they do not remember the previous few miles or minutes before a car accident, which indicates an extreme loss of concentration. Additionally, when a car goes over rumble strips, the driver might be fatigued.
What Causes Driver Fatigue?
Many people with underlying health issues can have sleep problems or suffer from fatigue. Some motorists may even take prescription drugs that have side effects that cause drowsiness. Many people also suffer from undiagnosed sleeping disorders, such as sleep apnea, and can become drowsy very quickly.
Drunk driving is another dangerous situation that is very similar to drowsy driving. In fact, forgetfulness, loss of concentration, drifting into another lane, or the inability to react are all signs of both drunk and drowsy driving.
Drowsy driving happens at all times of the day, but more so during the very early morning and evening commutes. Workers who have overnight shifts and workers who have long commutes are highly susceptible to drowsy driving. Commercial drivers are also susceptible to drowsy driving.
How can I Avoid a Drowsy Driving Accident?
Many people believe they can operate normally on few hours of sleep or believe that a cup of coffee or energy drink can get them through the day. However, this is not the case. A full night of rest, good sleeping habits, or contacting a physician to help with sleep issues can all help prevent drowsy driving car accidents.
All drivers are legally obligated to operate their vehicles safely. Driving a vehicle while drowsy is reckless and negligent. It is important that every driver on the road maintains a good amount of rest and focus before getting on the road.
Delaware County Personal Injury Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Help Victims Injured by Drowsy Drivers
Drowsy driving is extremely dangerous. If you were injured by a negligent or drowsy driver, then contact a Delaware County personal injury lawyer at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. right away. Call us at 610-565-3701 or complete our online form for a free consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.