Auto Accidents and Drowsy Driving: Signs and Prevention Methods
Truckers and road-trippers are not the only ones susceptible to auto accidents and drowsy driving. In fact, studies show that a majority of adult drivers have driven while feeling drowsy. At Gary A. Zucker & Associates in Brooklyn, NY, we understand the life-altering consequences of a drowsy driving accident. We fight for victims in auto accidents to make sure they are awarded compensation for their hardship.
Drowsy Driving Facts
Drowsy driving refers to the operating of a motor vehicle while too tired to remain fully alert. As a result of severe fatigue, reaction time is reduced and decision-making is impaired. In the worst cases, drivers may fall asleep behind the wheel. According to a study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, more than one in three drivers have done so.
Just how dangerous is drowsy driving? These facts will shed some light on the matter:
- About 60 percent of drivers have admitted to driving while drowsy
- Adults between ages 18 to 29 are far more likely to drive drowsy
- No test exists to determine sleepiness
- Accidents are most common early in the morning or late at night during the body’s natural sleep period. Mid-afternoon can be a dangerous time for older adults, who are more likely to nap during the day
- Most often, drowsy driving accidents take place at high speeds on highways and major roadways
- It is not uncommon for drowsy drivers to fail or make no effort to brake to avoid accidents, as sleepiness reduces reaction time and the ability to comprehend what is going on
- Staying awake for 24 hours impairs drivers the same as a .08 blood alcohol content (BAC)
- Sleep deprivation greatly increases the risk of a crash. Those who sleep six or seven hours a night are twice more likely to be involved in a crash than those who sleep eight hours
- Men are about twice as likely as women to fall asleep while driving
Warning Signs of Drowsy Driving
On an average year, there are approximately 1,500 deaths and an additional 71,000 crashes resulting in non-fatal injuries due to drowsy driving. How do you know when you are driving drowsy?
- You are yawning excessively
- You are unable to keep your eyes open
- You are missing turns and exits
- You cannot remember how you got somewhere
- You are drifting into other lanes or the rumble strip
- You are getting too close to nearby cars
Tips to Prevent Drowsy Driving
Many drivers mistakenly believe that cranking the volume and rolling down the windows will protect them from falling asleep at the wheel. The fact is, these acts do little to increase your alertness. What does increase your alertness and safety?
- Sleeping eight hours before driving
- Avoiding driving late at night or early in the morning
- Arranging for rides home from work or elsewhere
- Driving with a passenger
- Sharing driving responsibilities on long trips
- Pulling over and taking a short nap
- Drinking caffeinated beverages for short-term effects
Contact Gary A. Zucker & Associates
Auto accidents can have a severe toll on a person’s physical, financial, and emotional well being. Our attorneys at Gary A. Zucker & Associates will help you secure fair compensation if you were injured in an auto accident. To learn more, visit our website or call (718) 624-1211 today.
