Drowsy driving is a significant yet often overlooked hazard on the road. It impairs reaction time, decision-making, and attention. That can make it as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – it can also cause traumatic car accidents, life-threatening injuries, and fatalities.
How Common Is Drowsy Driving?
Drowsy driving occurs when a person who is fatigued or sleepy operates a vehicle. Fatigue can impair the driver’s ability to pay attention, slow reaction times, and affect decision-making skills. Drowsy driving is more common than many people realize. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 100,000 police-reported crashes directly result from driver fatigue each year. These collisions result in about 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries annually. The actual numbers may be higher since drowsiness is often underreported and can be difficult to detect.
What Are the Signs of Drowsy Driving?
Recognizing the signs of drowsy driving can prevent accidents. Common indicators include:
- Frequent yawning or blinking
- Missing exits or traffic signs and signals
- Drifting from a lane
- Hitting a rumble strip on the side of the road
If you witness any of these red flags, it is important to move far away from the vehicle; it may be prudent to report it to the authorities.
Who Is At Risk for Drowsy Driving?
Certain groups of people are more likely to drive while drowsy. These include:
- Shift workers and people working long hours
- Commercial drivers, especially those driving long distances
- Individuals with untreated sleep disorders like sleep apnea
- Drivers who take medications that cause drowsiness
What Are the Effects of Drowsy Driving on Performance?
Drowsy driving can significantly impair driving performance. Some effects include slowed reaction times, reduced vigilance, impaired decision-making skills, and micro-sleeps. The latter are brief episodes of sleep lasting a few seconds while driving. Since the driver is not fully in control of the vehicle, those impairments can lead to serious accidents.
How Can Drowsy Driving Be Prevented?
Preventing drowsy driving involves adopting good sleep habits and making smart choices before getting behind the wheel. Some effective strategies include sleeping a full night (seven to nine hours) before a long trip and avoiding driving late at night.
We also recommend taking regular breaks during long drives, ideally every two hours or 100 miles. Share driving responsibilities with another person on long trips, and avoid alcohol or medications that can cause drowsiness before driving. These measures can help reduce the risk of drowsy driving.
What Should I Do if I Feel Drowsy While Driving?
If you start feeling drowsy while driving, address the issue immediately. Pull over to a safe location and take a short nap (15-20 minutes), drink a caffeinated beverage to temporarily increase alertness, and stretch and walk around to get your blood flowing. Consider staying overnight at a nearby hotel if you are on a long trip and too tired to continue.
An Experienced Burlington County Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of David S. Rochman Can Offer You Legal Assistance After a Drowsy Driving Accident
If you were injured in an accident caused by drowsy driving, a skilled Burlington County car accident lawyer at the Law Office of David S. Rochman can provide a free consultation. To learn more, complete our online form or call 856-751-2345. Located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we serve clients in Burlington County and the surrounding areas.