What You Need to Know About Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is a form of impaired driving. Just like those who choose to drink and get behind the wheel, those who are too tired to drive are a danger to themselves and others on the road. Drowsy driving doesn’t necessarily mean that you fell asleep at the wheel, it can simply mean that your alertness and attentiveness is affected. This can put you at a greater risk of causing or becoming involved in an accident.
It is difficult to determine the exact number of crashes caused by drowsy drivers, but it is known that at least 846 crash fatalities in 2014 were the result of drowsy driving. It is estimated that the national average is 886 fatal crashes per year.
There are often a set of common factors that are involved when crashes are due to drowsy driving. The accidents most typically occur between midnight and 6 a.m. They normally involved a single vehicle with no passengers. And they include running off the road with no evidence of braking present. Many of these accidents occur on rural roads and highways.
There are also people who are more at risk of having a drowsy driving accident, according to statistics. Young male drivers between the ages of 17 and 23 are more likely to be involved in this type of accident, as are people with sleep disorders, shift workers, and people who sleep fewer than six hours each night.
Avoiding a drowsy driving crash is not difficult. Make sure you get at least seven hours of sleep before you drive. You can also avoid alcohol before driving, don’t take any medication that affects your ability to stay awake, and pull over if you feel yourself getting sleepy.
If you have been involved in a car accident with a drowsy driver in Austin, you need an experienced personal injury attorney like Loewy Law Firm. Call our office today for a free case evaluation and find out the type of compensation you may be entitled to under law.