Dangers of Drowsy Driving
While we all want to believe we understand the dangers of drowsy driving, the statistics show we don’t always take proper caution. According to a November 2014 study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 1 in 5 fatal car accidents involve a drowsy driver. The possibility of you or any driver waking up in a car accident is scary and real.
A lack of sleep slows your reaction time. It reduces your ability to process information, pay attention, and have accurate motor control. So what can we do to stop it?
Warning Signs of Drowsy Driving
Statistics show that drivers who get less than 8 hours of sleep nightly are more likely to have a wreck than those who get 8 hours or more of sleep per night. As a Memphis truck accident lawyer, I see this all the time. Trucking companies demand their drivers put in more hours than is safe.
And teenagers need even more sleep than that to be fully alert behind the wheel. That’s on top of needing education about the dangers of drowsy driving.
So it’s fair to say the biggest warning of drowsy driving is your own sleep history.
Besides the hours of sleep you get each night, there are several signs that can indicate if you’re too drowsy to be driving. Some of the warning signs of drowsy driving include if you:
- Yawn excessively
- Feel eyelid heaviness
- Can’t stop blinking
- Keep missing your turns
- Nearly rear-end a driver in front of you
- Hear your tires drift onto the shoulder
- Don’t remember the last few miles you drove
If You’ve Been in a Drowsy Driving Accident
If you’ve been injured in a drowsy driving accident, you need an attorney who understands the dangers of drowsy driving and will help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys have worked on car accidents for over 30 years, including accidents caused by drowsy drivers. We don’t get paid unless you do. To get started on your case, contact us today at 901-327-1212.