November 1-8, 2015 is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated drowsy driving caused the following in 2013:
- 72,000 crashes
- 44,000 injuries
- 800 deaths
Up to 6,000 fatal crashes each year may be caused by drowsy drivers.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, 60% of adult driver have driven vehicle while feeling drowsy and one-third of those adults have fallen asleep at the wheel!
When a driver is drowsy, the driver becomes stressed, impatient and drives faster. A drowsy driver also experiences lapses in attention, slow reaction times and inability to make good decisions. This leads to vehicle crashes.
Drowsy drivers have been sentenced to jail for driving incidents that occurred while they were driving drowsy.
Multi-million dollar settlements have been awarded to crash victims and families of crash victims injured or killed by a drowsy driver.
The following people are more likely to drive drowsy:
- Sleep deprived or suffering from sleep disorders
- Commercial drivers
- Shift workers
- Those who take medications that cause drowsiness
Warning signs of drowsy driving:
- Yawning
- Blinking often
- Spacing off – unable to remember the last few minutes/miles of your drive
- Missing your exit or forgetting where you are going
- Trouble keeping your eyes open
- Decreased driving ability
How many times have you been driving and are startled by the sound of the rumble strip on the shoulder of the road? You are drowsy! Pull over and rest.
Prevent drowsy driving by:
- Taking a break for food or rest on your trip
- Stop to walk around and stretch your legs
- Avoid substances that can cause drowsiness
- Get plenty of sleep before your drive
- Stop driving if you feel tired
Accidents caused by drowsy drivers are preventable. When you choose to drive drowsy, you are putting your own life and the lives of others at risk. Make the commitment to not drive drowsy.
Drowsy driving is negligence.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drowsy driver, take action now for a free consultation or second opinion.