It is no secret that driving while you are tired is a bad idea. In fact, it can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. Unfortunately, drowsy drivers are more likely to cause collisions due to their slowed reaction times and lack of focus.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving is responsible for about 100,000 crashes each year. If you're ever feeling tired behind the wheel, it is best to pull over and take a nap or find a safe place to park until you feel alert again. Never try to push through the fatigue, as it is not worth the risk.
Read on to learn more about the impacts of drowsy driving.
Factors That Can Contribute to Drowsy Driving
There are a few different things that can contribute to drowsy driving. Obviously, if you're not getting enough sleep at night, you will be more likely to feel tired and groggy during the day.
However, there are also certain medications that can cause drowsiness, such as:
- Antihistamines,
- Antidepressants, and
- Even some cold medicines.
If you are taking any of the above types of medications, be sure to read the label carefully and avoid driving if they prompt you to experience drowsiness.
Finally, drinking alcohol can also lead to drowsy driving. Even though drinking alcohol may help you feel sleepy at first, it actually disrupts your sleep cycle and can make it harder to get a good night's rest. So if you've been drinking, it's best to wait a while before getting behind the wheel.
As you can see, there are a number of different things that can contribute to drowsy driving. And while it may not seem like a big deal, it can actually be extremely dangerous to you and others out on the road.
Drowsy Driving Facts and Statistics
The National Sleep Foundation estimates that about 21% of fatal crashes are caused by drowsy driving.
Drowsy driving accidents are more likely to happen at night or in the early morning hours.
According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, young drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 are more likely to cause drowsy driving accidents than any other age group.
Two out of three drivers involved in crashes associated with drowsy driving are men.
Over 13% of drowsy driving accidents result in hospitalization, and 7% of these types of crashes require a vehicle to be towed away from the accident scene.
Most drowsy driving accidents (57%) involve a driver drifting into other lanes or off the road entirely.
Unsurprisingly, drivers who are accompanied by a passenger tend to be about 50% less likely to get into a drowsy driving-related accident.
These are just a few of the many drowsy driving statistics out there. But as you can see, it is a serious problem that should not be taken lightly.
So if you're ever feeling tired while driving, be sure to pull over and take a break. It could end up being the difference between life and death.
We’re Here to Help Injured Car Accident Victims
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident as a result of another’s drowsy driving or for any other reason, you may be owed compensation for your losses. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our skilled team right away to learn more about how we can help with your case. We are ready and willing to do everything we can to help you now.
Contact the experienced team at Henry, Williams & Kinder, P.C. by calling (800) 526-1949. You can also fill out the online contact form, and someone from our team will reach out to you right away.