According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents caused directly by drivers who were drowsy at the wheel caused 693 wrongful deaths in 2022.
Drowsiness due to lack of sleep could be because of overwork, a new baby, stress, or a hectic social life. Whatever the reason, the consequence is fewer hours of sleep. Sleep advocacy groups, including the National Sleep Foundation, recommend 8 hours of sleep for the average American adult. Unfortunately, far too many drivers are getting less sleep than the recommended amount, which means that many of them are driving at less than optimum levels of wakefulness and alertness in the morning.
Even getting one hour less sleep a night can affect a person’s ability to drive safely. Drowsiness can mean irritability which, in turn, can affect your judgment and reasoning behind the wheel. It can also mean an inability to pay attention to visual cues on the road, and failure to respond appropriately to stop signs. It can mean getting lost while driving the wrong way, or driving at high speeds.
Not surprisingly, most car accidents involving drowsy drivers occur between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. Motorists who work shift -based jobs are more likely to be involved in drowsy driving auto accidents. Other at -risk groups include senior drivers who may be on medication that causes them to fall asleep at the wheel.
Here are some ways to reduce your risks of being involved in an auto accident while drowsy.
Sleep advocacy organizations recommend that you stick to a consistent sleep schedule. This means that you go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
Avoid exercise before going to sleep. What you eat and drink can affect the way you sleep. Eating very heavy foods, for instance, can place you at risk of indigestion which can mean less sleep at night. Avoid drinking alcohol, coffee or tea, and smoking before you go to sleep.
Some medications, including medications for heart disease, high blood pressure and asthma can interfere with your sleeping patterns. If your medication makes it difficult for you to sleep well, consult your doctor and see whether there are substitutes that can help you sleep better.
Avoid late afternoon naps that can make it more difficult for you to sleep at night. If you are tired in the afternoon, avoid driving, but engage in activities around the house. If you must go somewhere, take Uber, Lyft or a taxi.
Make sure you get plenty of sleep before you set out on a long trip. The night before your trip, try to go to bed early. If necessary, consider taking some over the counter medications based upon your doctor’s advice.
Prioritizing sleep can significantly lower your risks of driving while sleepy, thereby lowering your risks of a drowsy driving car accident and seriously injuring yourself or others.
The Atlanta car accident lawyers at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons who have suffered injuries in car accidents in the metro Atlanta region and across the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in an auto accident, talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your legal options for a claim for damages. You may qualify for damages that include medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering and other forms of compensation. Talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your case. Initial consultations are free.