We all know how it can feel to be fatigued to the point that you have a difficult time completing important tasks. We all know the telltale signs of such fatigue. When drivers choose to get behind the wheel when they are under the influence of drowsiness, they show a profound lack of good judgment, and those drivers endanger everyone with whom they share the road.
The Statistics
Drowsy driving does not just sound like a bad idea, the statistics – forwarded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – back up exactly how dangerous it can be, including these numbers from 2017:
- There were nearly 800 traffic fatalities related directly to driving drowsy.
- Approximately 50,000 people were injured in traffic accidents in which drowsy driving played a pivotal role.
- Drowsy driving played a pivotal role in approximately 91,000 traffic accidents.
The risks associated with drowsy driving are significant and should never be discounted.
The Causes
Not getting the requisite sleep is a prominent factor in fatigued driving. Even so, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares that there can be a variety of other contributing factors, such as the side effects of a particular medication, sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders, and employment that involves rotating shifts, and more. While the terrifying consequences of a motorist who falls asleep while driving are not difficult to imagine, drivers who are merely fatigued create their obstacles to safety, including:
- They are less capable of paying adequate attention to driving safely on the road ahead.
- They experience delayed reaction times, which makes it more difficult in an emergency to slow down, to stop safely, or to steer away from the danger ahead.
- They are less capable of making proper decisions, including decisions related to driving safely. This is evidenced by their decision to drive drowsy in the first place.
Signs that You May Be Too Drowsy to Drive
Even if you have had a solid eight hours of sleep, fatigue has a way of sneaking upon us. If you experience any of the following dangerous warning signs, it is time to either pull off the road or leave the driving to someone else:
- You do not remember the last few miles of driving.
- You cannot stop blinking and yawning.
- You notice that you are drifting outside of your lane.
- You cross the rumble strip on the side of the road.
- You sail past your destination or miss your exit.
Injured by a Drowsy Driver? An Experienced Attorney Can Help
If a drowsy driver has injured you, Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is a formidable personal injury attorney with extensive experience successfully advocating for the rights of clients like you. Our legal team is committed to helping you obtain the compensation you need to make your fullest recovery, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information today.