The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
It happens more often than you think. Drivers barely able to keep their eyes open are barreling down the Florida roadways placing everyone on the road at risk. Drowsy driving can cause drivers to pay less attention to the road, have slow reaction times if they need to brake or steer suddenly, and have less ability to make good decisions. According to the Centers for Disease Control(CDC), an estimated 1 in 25 drivers admits to falling asleep at the wheel. That’s an alarming number when you consider how many drivers are on the road.
Common Causes of Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is most typically caused by a lack of sleep, but there are some different situations that can lead to drowsiness:
- Not getting enough sleep
- Working shift work (overnight shifts)
- Taking certain medications
- Driving for long periods of time without a break
- Untreated medical conditions such as sleep apnea.
Signs that You are too Drowsy to Drive
Unfortunately, there is no drowsiness test that can tell you when you are too tired to drive. When you are tired, it can have a major effect on your ability to make decisions. You may not think you’re too drowsy to drive. To determine whether you are too tired to be driving, you should look for some of these signs:
- Trouble keeping your eyes open
- Nodding your head
- Daydreaming
- Drifting out of your lane
- Drifting off the road and hitting rumble strips
- Missing your exit
- Missing signs
- Difficulty remembering the last few miles of the drive
- Frequent yawning
- Rubbing your eyes
- Feeling restless and irritable
As soon as you notice any of these signs, you should find a safe place to pull over immediately.
Preventing Drowsy Driving
To make sure you are at optimal alertness for driving, here are some steps you can take:
- Make sure you’ve had an adequate amount of sleep before hitting the road, especially if you are going on a long drive.
- When you’re on long trips, try to drive with a friend, so you can take turns at the wheel
- Don’t rush. Take frequents breaks. You’ll get to your destination eventually
- Do not drink alcohol, even a small amount, before driving
- Read the warning labels on any medication you take to make sure it won’t make you drowsy
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident caused by somebody else’s negligence, you should have an attorney evaluate your case. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk onlineor call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.