Drowsy driving claims many lives and is a major cause of car accidents in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving caused 795 deaths in 2017. Many drivers mistakenly believe that they will never fall asleep while driving, even if they are tired. However, sleepiness most commonly causes accidents when drivers are alone in the car or driving on rural roads and single-lane highways. These accidents typically occur during certain times of the day, such as late night hours between 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. or late afternoons.
According to the American Sleep Foundation, drivers are three times more likely to be in a crash if they are fatigued. Individuals who work during the night, have late shifts, or drive for a living are prone to drowsy driving. Lack of adequate sleep can also cause drowsiness while driving. Individuals on certain medications or ailments, such as sleep apnea, also experience sleepiness while driving. Teenagers often lack adequate sleep and are inexperienced drivers that should exercise extra caution when driving.
The following are signs of an onset of drowsiness. One should take a break from driving when experiencing any of the following:
Almost 20 percent of drivers admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel within the past year. In fact, driving a vehicle after 20 hours without sleep is equivalent to driving over the legal alcohol limit. To keep all drivers and passengers safe on the roads, the following are safety tips to avoid potential drowsy driving accidents:
If you were involved in a car accident that involved a drowsy driver, the Washington DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King will ensure that you receive the best legal representation. We will fight for your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us today at 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington, DC, we proudly serve clients throughout DC and Maryland.