Many know the dangers of drunk driving and distracted driving. However, despite the fact that drowsy driving is the most dangerous of the three, many drivers are unaware of it.
If you catch yourself yawning frequently, having to make an effort to keep your eyes open, or find your mind wandering, you could be too tired to drive safely. Physical signs of exhaustion include frequent blinking, heavy eyelids, and blurry vision.
When you see other vehicles driving too closely behind others, drifting in and out of lanes, and running through stop signs and red lights, their drivers could be too tired to drive safely. Avoid these vehicles to avoid a collision. Consider reporting the vehicle to local law enforcement. If the driver is not exhausted, they might be drunk, distracted, or simply driving recklessly.
The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
If a driver falls asleep at the wheel, they lose control of their vehicle. Even in less severe circumstances, a driver who is not fully alert can have a difficult time maintaining a safe speed or following distance and staying in their lane.
If you feel yourself becoming drowsy while you are driving, pull off the road and give yourself time to rest. Consider stopping for a caffeinated beverage or a protein-rich snack to wake yourself up. Another way to keep yourself alert while you drive is to listen to music with a fast tempo.
As a passenger, speak up if you feel that your driver is too tired to drive safely. Offer to take over driving or, if you cannot do this, suggest taking a rest. Even a 20 minute nap can make a significant difference to an individual’s alertness level.
West Chester Personal Injury Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Represent Victims of Drowsy Driving Accidents
A collision with a drowsy driver can leave you severely injured or permanently disabled. If you are suffering from an injury following a drowsy driver accident, work with one of the experienced West Chester personal injury lawyers on our team at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. Fill out our online form or call our office at 610-565-3701 today to schedule your initial consultation with a lawyer at our West Chester personal injury law firm. We work with clients from Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County as well as southeastern Pennsylvania, including the towns of Lansdale, Norristown, West Chester, Malvern, King of Prussia, Malvern, Wayne, Drexel Hill, Glenside, Phoenixville, Havertown, Media, Norristown, Upper Darby, Chester, Downingtown, Coatesville, Pottstown, Springfield, North Wales, Marcus Hook, Lansdowne, Ambler, and Collegeville.