Drowsy Driving Reported in Tracy Car Accident
I’m Ed Smith, a Tracy car accident lawyer. Recently, a Tracy woman reportedly fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a power pole in Tracy. At approximately 4:30 in the afternoon, a woman driving a Dodge SUV was traveling westbound along 11th Street in the vicinity of MacArthur Drive when she fell asleep. The Dodge then veered off the roadway, jumped over the curb along the right side of the street and collided with a wooden power pole. The impact of the collision caused the base of the pole to shatter, shutting off power in surrounding areas. The Dodge later came to a rest after knocking down a metal traffic light pole nearby. Fortunately, the driver was able to escape serious injury in the collision.
Drowsy Driving Accidents
Drivers who choose to get behind the wheel while fatigued not only put their own lives at risks but also endanger the lives of others on the road. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 824 parties lost their lives in accidents attributed to drowsy driving in 2015 alone. This number accounted for 2.2 percent of all traffic fatalities that same year in question.
Drowsy Driving Signs
Drowsy driving is a significant problem on the roads today. Learning how to spot the signs and how to avoid them can help keep the freeway safe. Following are the common signs of drowsy driving:
- Difficulty remembering the last few miles traveled
- Following too closely or “tailgating”
- Lane drifting
- Missing a turn or exit
- Striking the shoulder or rumble strip of the roadway
- Yawning or blinking frequently
How to Avoid Drowsy Driving
Drivers are responsible for operating a motor vehicle safely on the road. Whether taking on a long road trip or traveling home, it is essential to make sure you are well-prepared and rested for your travel. Some safety tips to consider before driving include:
- Drivers should make it a priority to get enough rest on a daily basis with seven to eight hours of sleep each night
- Before venturing out on a lengthy road trip, be sure to get a good night’s sleep
- Avoid consuming any alcohol before operating a motor vehicle as this may increase impairment and drowsiness
- Those who take medications with drowsiness listed as a side effect should take public transportation when possible. If not, avoid driving during the peak periods of sleepiness from the late afternoon and midnight to 6:00 a.m.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Drowsy driving, like alcohol and drug use, can impair one’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. It can affect a driver’s ability in making conscientious decisions and judgments as well as hand-eye coordination and reacting in time to avoid a collision. When a drowsy driver causes an accident, that motorist can be held responsible for damages incurred such as present and future medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. If this has happened to you or your loved one, it is crucial to understand that assistance may be available for your situation by contacting an experienced personal injury attorney in Tracy. A skilled lawyer can independently investigate further into the accident to gather substantial facts and evidence in order to prove negligence in a motor vehicle accident to reach a favorable outcome on an injured party’s behalf.
Tracy Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Tracy car accident lawyer. Drowsy drivers cause thousands of accidents each year, which can lead to severe injuries and damages to those affected. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident due to the fault of a drowsy driver, I am here to provide you with free, friendly legal advice. Give me a call any time at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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