DROWSY DRIVING

Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, P.L.L.C.
2 mins READ
Get a free consultation Call us About us

Every day, millions of Americans wake up early, get in their car and head to work without a second thought about the dangers of being on the road. With self-operated vehicles serving as the major form of transportation in the United States it’s easy to see how drivers can take many forms of unsafe driving for granted, especially when those things are so common. Drowsy drivers are all over the road and, whether they’ve just woken up or not slept in too long of a period, these driver’s pose as much of a risk to their fellow drivers as those who drive drunk.

Every year, drowsy driving accounts for an estimated 100,000 police reported crashes, with an estimated 1,550 deaths as a result. These accidents result from drivers attempting to drive while in a fatigued state, leading to slower reaction time and impaired judgment. While anyone can drive while tired, statistics show that men between the ages of 18-29 are most likely to drive while tired, and are twice as likely as women to fall asleep behind the wheel. Adults with children are also more likely to drive while drowsy, as are shift workers, though regular daytime drivers often drive while tired a few days a month.

While driving while tired may seem like a normal thing to do, the dangers of being a fatigued state while operating a motor vehicle can be dire. While tired, drivers are prone to more aggressive behavior and, combined with impaired reaction times and judgment, this can easily lead to a higher rate of accidents. Driving while tired also presents dangers in the form of poor information processing and short-term memory, as well as decreased performance in general and a lack of motivation.

To prevent dangers while driving, look for the signs to see if you or someone you’re driving with may be driving drowsy.

  • Difficulty Focusing
  • Frequent blinking, heavy eyelids
  • Trouble remembering recent miles driven
  • Missing exits or traffic signs
  • Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes
  • Trouble keeping head up
  • Drifting from your lane, tailgating, hitting a shoulder rumble strip
  • Feeling Restless or irritable

Rather than telling yourself you’re fine, take measures to prevent driving when you haven’t had enough sleep and take the time to wake up completely before beginning your morning commute. By taking steps to ensure you’re fully alert while driving you’ll prevent the risk of becoming a drowsy driver and be more aware of the other drivers around you. Remember, driving safely is everyone’s responsibility. Do your part to keep the roadways safe.

For more facts and information visit Drowsy Driving.Org.

Related Posts

  • x-ray of a broken bone
    Car Accidents
    3 mins READ

    Car Accidents: Common Injuries and Symptoms

    A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye, but the effects can linger for months, years, or even a lifetime. Whether you’ve been in a minor collision or a multivehicle accident, it’s important to understand the most common car accident injuries and the symptoms to watch for, especially since some injuries may...
    Read More  
  • closeup of emergency lights on a police car
    Car Accidents
    4 mins READ

    Do Police Take Photos at Car Accident Scenes?

    When police respond to a car accident, many people aren’t sure what to expect. Officers may arrive quickly and start asking questions, but it’s not always clear what they’re documenting, what they’re not, and what you’ll be able to access later. Many people assume that officers will take photos as part of their investigation, but...
    Read More  
  • Closeup of a person's hand holding car keys. A car is visible in the background.
    Car Accidents
    3 mins READ

    Are Parents Liable for Their 18-Year-Old’s Car Accidents?

    When an adult child causes a crash, the law balances two important goals: ensuring crash victims get fair compensation for their losses and making sure only those responsible are held liable. Generally, once a child turns 18, they are expected to take full responsibility for their driving. However, in some rare cases, a parent’s actions...
    Read More