Drowsy Driving
Driving drowsy doesn’t always result in falling asleep at the wheel, although that is a common danger. It can also mean simply feeling tired enough that your driving is affected. In some cases, driving drowsy can have the same effects as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Driving drowsy is unsafe because of the way it affects your ability to maintain control of the vehicle.
When someone is driving drowsy, they’re paying less attention to the road, and likely have difficulty making good decisions. It can also affect your reaction time, causing you to turn or stop more slowly. These effects are responsible for a growing number of serious traffic accidents with nearly 1 in 25 drivers falling asleep at the wheel every 30 minutes.
According to research conducted by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 72,000 traffic accidents attributed to drowsy driving in 2013. Resulting from those crashes, there were 44,000 serious injuries and more than 800 fatalities.
Preventing Drowsy Driving
Here are a few tips to help you avoid driving drowsy, so you’ll be safer on the roads.
Get Enough Sleep – The average adult needs a minimum of seven hours of sleep each night. Teenagers need eight hours or more to feel fully rested. If you’re not meeting these needs, it may be time to re-examine your sleeping habits.
Get Treatment for Sleep Disorders – Many people don’t get enough sleep, because they suffer from sleep disorders. If you have tried reducing stimulants and practicing relaxation techniques, talk to your doctor about your sleep difficulties.
Stimulate Your Senses – While you’re driving, turn up the radio and roll down the window. This can help you stay awake and alert.
Avoid Driving on Medication – You may know not to drive intoxicated, but many prescription drugs also cause drowsiness. Be sure to ask your doctor about the side effects of any new medications.
Consult an Orlando Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident
If you have been involved in an accident, and you suspect the other driver of being under the influence, he may only have been driving drowsy. Consulting Orlando personal injury attorneys can help you determine the truth, while helping you pursue your accident claim.
Hiring a personal injury attorney Orlando FL, such as the legal professionals at Horst Law Firm, can help you make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf and, if the insurance company won’t settle, your attorney can pursue your claim in court. People who work with personal injury lawyers are more likely to obtain favorable settlements than those who try to negotiate with insurance companies on their own.