Drowsy Driving: A Legitimate Traffic Threat

 Posted on January 04, 2018 in Fatigued Driver

With the holiday season behind us, the Chicagoland area is bustling again as we move further into the new year. Heading back into the routine of work life, commuters are once again braving for early morning journeys to work, and late afternoon treks back home.

Adjusting back into work life can be difficult post-holiday, most notably the re-adjustment back into one’s standard sleep pattern can be especially challenging. Unfortunately a disrupted sleep schedule can lead to more than a bad mood.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 37,000 people are injured each year in drowsy driving accidents. If you or a member of your family are involved in a late-night or early morning collision, it is important to contact an experienced Chicagoland personal injury attorney.

Consider the following tips for noticing the symptoms of drowsy driving in fellow drivers, and how to avoid becoming a drowsy driver yourself

Signs of Drowsy Driving

The chances of a drowsy driving accident are greatly reduced when more than one person is riding in a vehicle. This is in large part due to diligent passengers looking out for signs of drowsy driving. Listed below are a few common signs of drowsy driving. If your driver is displaying any of these signs, it may be prudent to pull over.

• Navigational Difficulties: If you notice that your driver is missing street signs or exits, he or she may be driving drowsy. And while the driver may be focused on the road late at night or early in the morning, the inability to focus on navigational keys is oftentimes a sign of drowsiness.
• Swerving: If your driver begins to swerve from one side of the lane to the other, or travels into the opposite lane, it may be time to take a pit-stop. Swerving is one of the most obvious symptoms of driving while sleep deprived; moreover, it is incredibly dangerous.
• Eye Irregularity: Is your driver struggling to keep his or her eyes open? If you notice your driver begin to have eye twitches or closes his or her eyes for seconds at a time, it is time to stop the car.

Ways to Combat Drowsy Driving

No one intends to drive while sleep deprived. Consider the following simple tips on how to avoid drowsy driving:

• Adjust Sleeping Patterns: In most cases, drowsy driving can be attributed to one factor: sleep deprivation. What is the most straightforward way to avoid drowsy driving? Get more sleep.
• Stop for a Pick-Me Up: If you feel yourself beginning to feel drowsy, do not hesitate to follow your instincts. Stop for a snack, stretch, and maybe consume a dose of caffeine. Oftentimes, taking a break from the road can be the difference between making it to one’s destination or not.
• Ride with a Buddy: As mentioned above, the chances of drowsy driving greatly diminish when more than one person travel in a car. An easy way to combat the dangers of drowsy driving is simply riding with someone else. Having another person in the car gives the vehicle an additional set of eyes on the road, provides conversation, and allows another person the chance to notice symptoms of drowsy driving.

Contact a Compassionate Car Accident Attorney Today

Every year, an average of 730 people are fatally injured in drowsy driving accidents. It is incredibly important to know the signs of drowsy driving and to take the necessary precautions to avoid it. For more information on the dangers of drowsy driving, contact Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. at 847-662-3303 or visit us online to speak with an experienced Lake County personal injury attorney.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving

https://www.guardyourhealth.com/drowsy-driving-text/