How much sleep do you actually get at night? Making sure you’re getting the right amount of sleep can greatly affect your life and even save it!
According to the National Safety Council, driving when fatigued accounts for 100,000 crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,550 fatalities. While a majority of the population acknowledge how dangerous it is and socially disapprove, many still admit to having driven drowsy or so tired they could barely keep their eyes open recently.
All motorists have a responsibility not to get behind the wheel if they are too tired to drive. If you were injured in a crash with a drowsy driver, then you may be entitled to compensation for health-care expenses, lost income and other damages.
A Scottsdale personal-injury lawyer from the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm can evaluate your accident to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 480-951-9700 to schedule a consultation.
What Are the Main Causes of Drowsy Driving?
According to DrowsyDriving.org, there are many factors that contribute to drowsy driving accidents. Examples include:
- Sleep loss from restriction or interruption;
- Chronic sleep debt;
- Factors related to work schedules and driving patterns;
- Sedating medications;
- And the consumption of alcohol or drugs, especially when already fatigued.
A combination of these factors is particularly dangerous.
Which Groups Are Most at Risk of Drowsy Driving?
Nobody is immune to drowsiness, but some demographics are at a greater risk of falling asleep behind the wheel. These include:
- Shift workers and people with long labor hours;
- Commercial drivers;
- Long-haul drivers;
- People with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea;
- Young males under the age of 26;
- And jet-lagged business travelers.
How to Determine If You Are at Risk
One of the best ways to prevent a drowsy driving accident is to learn the signs of fatigue. According to DrowsyDriving.org, you should stay off the road or rest if you are:
- Suffering from sleep loss or had poor quality sleep;
- Sleep-deprived or fatigued;
- On the road for more than three hours without a break;
- Driving through the night or at times when you would ordinarily be sleeping;
- Taking sedatives or any new medications;
- Working more than 60 hours in a week before driving;
- Driving alone on straight and boring roads;
- Or drinking even small amounts of alcohol.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 94 percent of accidents involve human error. As such, the vast majority of collisions are preventable. Staying off the road when you are drowsy can substantially reduce your risk of crashing.
If you were injured in a wreck that a drowsy driver caused, contact the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm. A Scottsdale accident attorney will help you fight for the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost income and other damages. Call 480-951-9700 to schedule a consultation.