Falling Asleep While Driving
We know we have to work on many things as a country when it comes to doing better on our roadways. Falling Asleep While Driving or Drowsy driving in America has become one of the biggest issues, with many people putting others at risk daily through their actions. Drowsy driving occurs when somebody is tired but decides to get behind the wheel of their vehicle anyway. This can happen for many reasons, including those who are not getting enough sleep because of work hours, or those who have an emergency situation to deal with. No matter the reason for the drowsy driving, those who drive drowsy are taking huge risks because the monotony of driving can lull someone to sleep quite easily.
Drowsy driving in America has many effects on drivers. It makes drivers less able to pay attention while driving, slows overall reaction time, and affects the ability to make quick and reliable decisions. Over a 30-day time period, 1 in 25 adult drivers says that they have driven on the roads even though they were tired. Many people who fall asleep at the wheel have untreated sleep disorders, do not get enough sleep every night, are commercial drivers or shift workers, or use medications that make them sleepy.
Drowsy Driving: Too Much Like Drunk Driving?
Many studies show us that drowsy driving isn’t just being a little sleepy after a long day – it’s enough to severely impact the way we drive and make important roadway decisions. We should all know this because it could very well risk our lives if we choose to drive while tired. Studies have shown us that drowsy driving affects our bodies similarly to drinking alcohol. In fact, research shows that being awake for over 18 hours at a time can have the same effects as driving with a blood-alcohol level of .05. This means that if you have been awake for longer than a day, you could be driving with the equivalent of a blood alcohol level of .10. Many drivers drive drowsy every day, which means that you could be at risk and not know until it is too late.
The Dangers of Drowsy Driving for Commercial Drivers
Commercial drivers, including truckers and delivery drivers, are especially at risk for drowsy driving due to long hours on the road and irregular schedules. Many truck drivers work long shifts with few breaks, which can lead to severe fatigue. This is a significant safety concern, as commercial vehicles are often larger and harder to maneuver than personal cars, increasing the risk of serious accidents. It’s crucial for commercial drivers to follow mandated rest periods, but unfortunately, fatigue still poses a danger. If you’re involved in an accident with a commercial driver who was fatigued, it’s important to gather evidence of their driving hours and rest periods to help build your case.
How to Prevent Drowsy Driving
The best way to prevent drowsy driving is to prioritize sleep and listen to your body’s warning signs. If you’re feeling fatigued, avoid driving and find a safe place to rest, even if it means taking a short nap. For commercial drivers, sticking to scheduled rest breaks, rotating shifts to ensure adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy sleep routine is essential. Avoid driving long distances without taking regular stops, especially during times when your body naturally feels more tired, such as late at night or early morning hours. Additionally, avoid using caffeine or energy drinks as a substitute for sleep, as these can temporarily mask the signs of fatigue without addressing the underlying sleep deprivation. Employers should enforce regulations, provide proper rest facilities, and ensure drivers have access to adequate sleep before starting long shifts. For more information on federal regulations for commercial drivers visit the Federal Motor Carrier Saftey Administration. Encouraging a culture of safety that includes well-being check-ins can further reduce the risk of drowsy driving accidents. Keeping a sleep log can also be a helpful tool to monitor sleep patterns and ensure you’re getting enough rest before hitting the road.
Fault in Drowsy Driving Incidents
After an accident and the other driver is at fault, you build a case to show that negligence has led to your accident. But did you know that it isn’t easy to show that a driver was falling asleep on the road at the time of your accident? Some state statutes even make it a requirement to show that a driver was awake for 24 hours before the accident occurred, such as speaking to people in their workplace and discovering that they worked, went out to eat with friends, and then continued to drive. You may even be able to show this evidence by bringing up the fact that the person takes a medication that makes them fall asleep easily.
Those who fall asleep at the wheel, and this fact has been proven, could suffer from criminal penalties like reckless driving alongside your civil case for compensation. If you can show evidence, you may be able to collect damages for elements like medical bills associated with your accident, lost wages when you’ve had to miss work, or emotional suffering from reliving the accident and the effect it has left on your life. Luckily, at the Accident Law Group, we are here for you in your time of need when you have been injured due to the negligence of another party. Call us today for more information on how we can help in your time of need at 602-333-3333.
