If you are like most people, you have caught yourself dozing off while behind the wheel. Drowsy driving is common and much more dangerous than most think. In fact, drowsy driving is just as dangerous as driving while inebriated. If you or a loved one have been victimized by a drowsy driver, our Illinois car crash attorneys will do everything in our power to make you whole again.
Why Drowsy Driving is so Dangerous
Drowsy driving is much more dangerous than most people understand. Those who study the phenomenon of drowsy driving compare it to drunk driving. Those who get behind the wheel after insufficient sleep (or a completely sleepless night), drinking alcohol or using drugs, taking a medication that induces drowsiness or performing evening/early morning shift work are that much more susceptible to falling asleep while driving. Even an untreated sleep disorder can cause a violent auto accident that upends your life or multiple lives. Drowsy drivers find it difficult to make sound decisions, especially when facing a stressful driving situation.
Those who drive while drowsy are three times as likely to be involved in an auto accident. Drowsy drivers unlikely to be aware of potentially deadly road hazards. Fatigued drivers also find it challenging to sustain their attention throughout the entirety of the drive. Some drowsy drivers drift off into a short “micro-sleep” that lasts about four seconds. Though four seconds might not seem like much time, it is all that is necessary for a vehicle to cross an entire football field.
Drowsy Driving Symptoms
If you yawn at a high frequency while driving, you are undoubtedly drowsy. The question is whether this drowsiness will cause you to nod off while behind the wheel. Do not be afraid to speak up if you are in a vehicle with a driver who is constantly yawning and/or struggling to keep their eyes open.
Nodding off for even a couple seconds has the potential to cause a devastating car accident that permanently changes your life as well as the lives of others. Additional signs of drowsy driving include drifting out of the lane, struggling to maintain a steady rate of speed, difficulty keeping one’s head upright, missing turns/road signs and struggling to remember the last couple miles of driving.
How to Avoid Driving While Fatigued
The most important thing you can do to prevent drowsy driving is get enough sleep. In general, most people require eight hours of sleep. Some adults between the ages of 30 and 60 can get by with six hours of restful sleep. If you take medication of any sort, find out if it causes drowsiness. There is nothing wrong with downing a cup of coffee, tea, an energy drink or another source of caffeine prior to driving. Even if you do not regularly consume caffeine, relying on it to stay safe on the road just might save your vehicle and your life. Continue drinking caffeine up until you reach your destination, so you do not crash into a sleep state when the caffeine high wears off.
Those who have a sleep disorder such as sleeping in the day or snoring should speak with their doctor about treatments to increase alertness. Finally, do not drink alcohol, use marijuana or consume any other substance that intoxicates. Even a single beer has the potential to push an already-drowsy person into a sleep state.
Drowsy Driving Myths and Misconceptions
The most pervasive drowsy driving myth is that drivers can determine when they fall asleep. Tests have shown those who believe they can predict when they will fall asleep end up completely wrong. Sleep is involuntary, meaning excessive fatigue can cause drowsy driving even if the driver is insistent on remaining alert.
Another common drowsy driving misconception is that young drivers require minimal sleep compared to older adults. Though some middle-aged adults can get by with six hours of sleep, the truth is every other age cohort requires at least eight hours of restful sleep.
Our Illinois Car Crash Attorneys Will Fiercely Advocate on Your Behalf
Have you been injured in a car crash? Even if you are unsure if the accident was another driver or institution’s fault, you will benefit from meeting with our legal team. Let us review the nuances of your unique case to determine if there is sound legal footing that sets the stage for a favorable settlement or judgment.
Contact our Illinois car crash attorneys at 708-222-2222 to schedule an appointment. Our office hours are 9 am to 5pm yet someone is available 24/7 to field your call. If you would like to reach us online, you can fill out an online form or click on LiveChat on our website. You have nothing to lose by contacting us. There is no fee whatsoever unless we win your case.