Drowsy driving is not uncommon—and, unfortunately, it is inevitable. Drivers may experience drowsiness on their way home from work or on a long road trip. Whatever the reason for driving while feeling drowsy, it can become a serious problem for everyone on the road.
The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
The National Safety Council released a comprehensive report revealing that 100,000 car crashes in the country occurred due to drowsy driving. Of that number, 1,550 died, and 71,000 sustained injuries. However, the NSC’s stats show that drowsy driving accounts for only 9.5% of vehicle collisions. Although the percentage appears to be low, car accidents of this nature are entirely preventable.
Driving drowsy is not only dangerous but also negligent and unlawful. Any exhausted driver that harms another person in an accident must compensate for damages or death caused. Unfortunately, we often underestimate the potential damage drowsy driving can cause. For example, driving eighteen hours at a stretch is equivalent to operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content above .08, severely impairing the driver.
Causes of Drowsiness During Driving
Several factors can cause a driver to become drowsy while driving, including medical conditions, sleep disorders, and prescription medications. Likewise, engaging in a physically and mentally draining task before driving can cause a motorist to become tired. However, no matter the cause—even if explainable—it does not eliminate liability in the event of an accident.
How to Recognize Signs of Drowsiness While Driving
Recognizing the signs of drowsiness when driving can save the driver’s life and the lives of everyone else on the road. It is possible for a driver to feel alert and focused despite being on a long road trip. However, the driver can become drowsy after staring at the road for long periods. Often, drowsy driving is due to a lack of quality sleep. Common signs that a driver can watch out for include:
- Feeling sleepy
- Yawning excessively
- Feeling as if they are drifting
- Eyes feel heavy or are even closing
- Repeatedly going over rumble strips on the middle or shoulder of the road
If an individual notices these signs while driving, they should pull over and rest or, if possible, let someone else drive. While a short nap may delay them from getting home in time for dinner, it will ensure they get home safely.
Tips for Preventing Drowsy Driving
The fastest proven way to prevent drowsy driving is to prepare accordingly and anticipate the length of a trip. Helpful tips for preventing and protecting oneself from drowsy driving include the following:
· Grab a cup of coffee
· Eat light and avoid alcohol or medications that can make you tired
· Do not drive right before bed, after waking up, or for too long after work
· Stop when needed to rest or nap, or switch drivers every one to two hours if there is a co-driver
Legal Implications of the Consequences of Drowsy Driving
If an exhausted driver causes a crash, they will be responsible for the ensuing damages. Often, a driver’s insurance company pays for property damage but must also pay for any bodily injuries sustained. Likewise, negligent motorists might also be liable for an injured person’s:
· Consortium loss, pain, and suffering
· Medical equipment is needed to treat injuries
· Medical bills and lost wages for the past and future
Call an Attorney Today if you Were Hurt in a Drowsy Driving Accident
If you were a victim of a drowsy driving accident, you should hire an experienced car accident lawyer to help them get compensation for sustained injuries. A legal representative at Roberts Markland LLP could help gather evidence, negotiate settlements with insurance companies or courts, and fight for your right as the victim.
Regardless of the reason behind drowsy driving, negligence is inexcusable – especially when it puts someone else’s life in danger. Contact us today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accidents are caused by drowsy driving each year?
According to a National Safety Council report, drowsy driving causes roughly 100,000 car crashes annually in the United States. Those crashes result in about 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries. Drowsy driving accounts for approximately 9.5% of all vehicle collisions, a figure that may sound small but represents crashes that are entirely preventable.
Is drowsy driving as dangerous as drunk driving?
It can be. Driving for eighteen hours straight impairs a person to a degree comparable to operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content above .08, which is the legal limit. At that level of fatigue, reaction time and judgment are severely compromised.
What are the warning signs of drowsy driving?
Common signs include feeling sleepy, yawning excessively, sensing that you are drifting within your lane, heavy or closing eyes, and repeatedly hitting the rumble strips on the shoulder or center of the road. If you notice any of these, pull over and rest or let someone else take the wheel.
What causes a driver to become drowsy behind the wheel?
Drowsiness can stem from medical conditions, sleep disorders, and prescription medications. It can also result from completing a physically or mentally draining task before getting in the car, or simply from a lack of quality sleep. Staring at the road for long stretches can bring on fatigue even in drivers who felt alert at the start of a trip.
How can I prevent drowsy driving?
Plan ahead and account for the length of your trip. Practical steps include drinking a cup of coffee, eating light, avoiding alcohol and medications that cause fatigue, and not driving right before bed, immediately after waking, or for long stretches after work. On longer drives, stop to rest or nap as needed, or swap drivers every one to two hours.
Can I sue a driver who caused an accident because they were drowsy?
Yes. A driver who causes a crash while exhausted is responsible for the resulting damages, and fatigue does not eliminate liability. Compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages both past and future, medical equipment needed for treatment, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium.