Do Not Drive Your Vehicle If You Are Feeling Drowsy
Driving while drowsy is an overlooked cause of many crashes. Indeed, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving was responsible for 72,000 accidents, 44,000 injuries and 800 deaths in 2013. While some of these incidents may have been caused by prescription drugs that can impair a person’s driving abilities, other accidents are caused by drivers who have experienced sleep deprivation or drowsiness. Regardless of what the cause may be, drowsy driving is extremely dangerous because it affects the following driving abilities.
A driver may be unable to pay attention if they are sleepy.
A person’s reaction timing is slower if the brain and body are not alert.
A driver may be unable to make suitable decisions when driving in a lethargic state.
Below is a list of some cautionary signs you should look out for when driving in a sleepy state to keep you and others safe.
Frequent blinking
Daydreaming
Disconnected thoughts
Excessive yawning
Difficulty remembering portions of your route
Drifting from your lane
Running over rumble strips
Tips to Prevent Drowsy Driving Accidents
Below are some tips that are recommended to avoid driving while in a state of drowsiness:
1. Get the right amount of sleep.
It is important to get the right amount of sleep if you are planning to make a longer drive, especially if the drive will be between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. Although you may not feel the effects of lethargy before getting on the road, you may begin to feel the effects once behind the wheel.
2. Do not drink alcohol before driving.
Although you may not be impaired by the amount of alcohol consumed, and consumption of alcohol can amplify the effects of inadequate sleep.
3. Take a pre-drive nap.
In some cases, a short nap before a drive can make up for lack of sleep from the previous night. It is important to keep in mind that your brain and body may not be fully alert for another 15 minutes after waking from your nap.
4. Take a mid-drive nap.
If you are already en route and begin to feel an excessive amount of drowsiness, pull over into a safe area and take a nap. A 15-20 minute nap may help more than you think.
5. Drink caffeine.
Consuming an energy drink, coffee, or another type of caffeinated beverage may improve your alertness. Remember, caffeine effects may decrease after several hours.
6. Avoid medicines made with ingredients that may promote drowsiness.
Medication labels must state whether they can cause a person to become drowsy or impaired in any other manner. If you ingest medication that causes lethargy, it is best to refrain from driving until these effects are completely absent.
If You Have Been Harmed By A Drowsy Driver You Should Contact The Law Office Of Dimitrios Kourouklis, Ph.D.
Our New York car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Dimitrios Kourouklis, Ph.D. are here to represent those who have been injured by negligent or reckless drivers. No matter what type of accident you have been involved in, it is crucial that you seek experienced legal representation right away. The sooner you get in touch with a New York car accident attorney from the Law Office of Dimitrios Kourouklis, Ph.D., the sooner our team can begin building your case and formulating an effective strategy.
Get the aggressive representation you deserve. We may be able to recover financial compensation for any medical expenses, physical harms, or emotional distresses you may face as the result of your accident. The New York personal injury lawyers at Law Office of Dimitrios Kourouklis, Ph.D. can take on the insurance company and file the necessary claim or lawsuit against an at-fault drowsy driver. To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a New York car accident lawyer, please call us today at (929) 400-7608, or contact us online.
