Was Drowsy Driving The Cause Of Your Accident?
Drowsy driving is dangerous, and it kills. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, out of the 36,096 people that died in car crashes in 2019, 697 were killed in accidents involving a drowsy driver. Whether tiredness is caused by lack of sleep because of a long and monotonous drive, a newly born baby, a long/late shift, or hanging out late with friends or family, the negative consequences can be the same. Unfortunately, many motorists think they can manage drowsy driving; in the same way, many drivers believe they can manage drunk driving. In fact, drowsy driving is comparable to drunk driving. For example, research suggests that a motorist who chooses to drive after staying awake for 21 hours performs the same as a driver who decides to drive with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of 0.08%.
If you were seriously injured in an Iowa auto accident by a driver who was drowsy driving, you might be eligible for compensation. To obtain the compensation you deserve, you would need to prove negligence on the other driver’s part. However, since it is unlikely that the other motorist will admit that they were driving while tired, you need to work with a skilled personal injury attorney. A qualified attorney can help you build a strong case and prove that the other driver was indeed driving while tired at the time of your accident.
The Role Sleep Deprivation Plays in Car Accidents
Sleep deprivation is dangerous and plays a significant role in car accidents. Whether a motorist falls asleep on the wheel or doesn’t, sleep deprivation’s adverse outcomes can be the same.
Drowsy drivers are usually less attentive, and that makes them more prone to crashes. Drowsy driving also slows a motorist’s reaction time. Additionally, drowsy driving affects a motorist’s decision-making ability.
As much as anyone can fall prey to drowsy driving, some people are more prone to driving while tired. These people include;
- Truck drivers
- People under medication
- Individuals that work long/late shifts
- People with sleep problems
Factors Related With Drowsy Driving Accidents
Drowsy driving accidents can happen anywhere and anytime. However, some factors are most commonly associated with such accidents. Those factors include:
- Most drowsy driving accidents happen between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. or late in the afternoon.
- Most drowsy-driving crashes occur on highways and rural roads.
Tips To Help Drivers Drive Alert
Even though drivers usually try several tactics to stay awake, like drinking coffee, loading up on sugar, and driving with the car windows down, there are better tactics that drivers can embrace to prevent drowsy driving and drowsy driving crashes. Below are some tips that can help drivers remain alert:
- Get adequate sleep daily.
- Get adequate sleep before the start of a long journey.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before driving.
- Seek treatment for sleep disorders.
- Use public transportation means if you take medication, that could cause drowsiness.
- Avoid driving during the peak sleepiness periods (i.e., between midnight and 6 a.m. and late afternoon).
Contact a Southeast Iowa Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you, a loved one, or a friend was severely injured in a drowsy driving accident, contact a skilled and dedicated Southeast Iowa personal injury attorney at the Noyes Law Office today to schedule a consultation.
Resource:
nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving
