Avoid Drowsy Driving Accidents
I’m Ed Smith, an East Sacramento car accident lawyer. According to a report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), drowsy driving may be a serious risk on the road as someone who has been drinking or using drugs. Learn a few ways to avoid drowsy driving to keep yourself, your family and others safe on the road.
Drowsy Driving Is a Serious Problem
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting insufficient sleep is not the only cause for drowsy driving. It may also be a problem for those who work in shifts, have insomnia or are taking over-the-counter or prescription medications. People who have been drinking alcoholic beverages or those with sleep disorders that have gone undiagnosed may also be subject to drowsy driving.
Drowsy Driving Statistics
Driving while too sleepy to be behind the wheel of a vehicle is more common than one would think. A poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation indicated that 60 percent of their respondents said they had driven while drowsy. Thirty-seven percent actually admitted that they had fallen asleep while driving. The NSF reports that some drivers may be unsure whether they are too sleepy to be behind the wheel of a vehicle while others realize they are but think they are still okay to drive.
California Drowsy Driving Statistics
Statistics compiled by the California CHP reported 6,390 accidents in the state that involved drowsy driving in 2016. These accidents resulted in 47 deaths. The previous year showed 5,810 accidents with 43 resulting deaths. In 2014, 4,693 drowsy driving accidents occurred with 44 deaths.
Ways to Spot Drowsy Driving
Signs of Drowsy Driving include the following:
- Yawning
- Daydreaming or problems focusing on the road
- Eyelids feel heavy
- Restlessness or irritability
- Problems focusing
- Problems with the vehicle drifting out of its lane
- Tailgating behind another vehicle
- Missing signposts or exits and drifting onto rumble strips
Avoiding Drowsy Driving
The medical site, WebMD, offers some tips on how to avoid drowsy driving. They include resting well the night before, planning stops for longer trips or pulling over to drink a caffeinated beverage or take a short nap. When others are along for the drive, having someone keep an eye on the driver to look for signs of fatigue is a good idea.
Accident Injuries
Injuries in a motor vehicle accident can be severe or even result in the death of a loved one. They may range from broken bones to more devastating injuries such as spinal cord injury, head, and brain injuries or abdominal trauma. When your accident was due to another driver’s negligent actions, an experienced injury attorney can help by going over your case and explaining your options. If the insurance companies involved cannot provide adequate compensation, your attorney can help by preparing a strong case to demand fair compensation.
Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in East Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, an East Sacramento car accident lawyer. Car accidents are unexpected and can leave you or loved ones with serious injuries and mounting bills. If you or a family member has been injured through negligence, I am here to offer free, friendly advice. Just call me at (916) 921-6400. Long-distance callers can call toll-free at (800) 404-5400. Another option is to access the contact form on my website, AutoAccident.com.
As a Million Dollar Advocates member, I have shown that I have garnered settlements or verdicts of at least a million dollars for prior clients as an injury lawyer.
In my 35 years of practice, I have served many injured Northern Californians, including those in Sacramento, in obtaining fair compensation for their traumatic injuries and for wrongful deaths.
A summary of cases and their results are found at Verdicts and Settlements. For client comments, please visit Google, Avvo, and Yelp.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/car-accident-clash-rome-highway-2165210/
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