Help Spread the Message and Prevent Drowsy Driving Related Crashes

Drowsy Driving Awareness has kicked off this November with groups such
as the American Sleep Foundation, AAA, and the Governors Highway Safety
Association, all pushing the message that too many American drivers are
getting behind the wheel while feeling drowsy or fatigued.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
every year about 100,000 police-reported crashes involve drowsy driving.
These crashes result in more than 1,550 fatalities and 71,000 injuries
but most analysts suggest the prevalence of drowsy driving fatalities
is more than 350 percent greater than what is reported. Most of these
crashes have a bad habit of occurring between midnight and 6 a.m., or
in the late-afternoon hours on rural roads and highways.

Drowsy driving puts everyone on the road at risk. The sleepy effect is
similar to driving under influence of alcohol in relation to reaction
times, awareness of hazards, and ability to sustain attention. A driver
might not even know when they are fatigued because the signs are hard
to identify. But the car accident team at Wagner Reese has put together
a few sleepy signs to let you know that it’s time to pull over or
switch drivers.

  • Daydreaming; having wandered or disconnected thoughts
  • Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
  • Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting a shoulder rumble strip
  • Feeling restless and irritable
  • Trouble keeping your head up
  • Trouble remembering the last few miles driven; missing exits or traffic signs
  • Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes

Avoid Becoming a Drowsy Driver

Simply getting enough rest can ensure you are driving alert versus sleepy.
Restful nights can be a true preventative measure against becoming involved
in a serious accident or fatal crash. In addition to making it a priority
to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night, follow these suggested stay-awake
tips from the
NHTSA.

  • Before the start of a long family car trip, get a good night’s sleep,
    or you could put your entire family and others at risk.
  • Many teens have bad driving habits to begin with and crash more than any
    other age group of motor vehicle operators. They also do not get enough
    sleep at the same time that their biological need for sleep turns demanding,
    thereby increasing the risk of drowsy-driving crashes, especially on longer trips.
  • Avoid drinking any alcohol before driving. Consumption of alcohol interacts
    with sleepiness to increase drowsiness and impairment.
  • If you take medications that could cause drowsiness as a side effect, use
    public transportation when possible. If you drive, avoid driving during
    the peak sleepiness periods (midnight – 6 a.m. and late afternoon).
  • If you must drive during the peak sleepiness periods, stay vigilant for
    signs of drowsiness, such as crossing over roadway lines or hitting a
    rumble strip, especially if you’re driving alone.

Don’t take any risks when it comes to roadway safety. Even if you
have never felt drowsy behind the wheel before, that doesn’t mean
it can’t happen to you eventually. Be prepared to make alternate
plans if you are too tired to drive and acknowledge that tired driving
can be just as dangerous as drunk driving or distracted driving.

Injured by a Drowsy Driver?

If you or a loved one have sustained injuries as the result of a sleepy
driver’s negligence behind the wheel of a vehicle,
Wagner Reese can help. Don’t fight that battle alone. Let Wagner Reese deal with
the insurance company, while you focus on recovering. Allow us to help
you get the compensation you deserve to cover lost wages, medical bills,
future care, and the pain and suffering you are experiencing as a result
of a motor vehicle accident.

Stephen Wagner and Jason Reese can handle your personal injury claim with
years of experience and proven results. Call the law firm of Wagner Reese
today at (888) 204-8440 or request a free consultation by submitting our
online form.