Imagine the most common reasons for car accidents? Did you mention drunk driving? Distracted driving? Did you think of speeding drivers? These are all to causes of car accidents but there is one particular type of mistake drivers make that cause many accidents yet many people do not realize this is the case. We are talking about drowsy drivers.
In fact, one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents in the state of California is drivers getting behind the wheel when they are fatigued. Part of the problem is that many people underestimate just how dangerous it is. The reality is that being exhausted can have a negative impact on a driver and is dangerous. Read on to learn more about this issue and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation if you have been injured in a vehicle accident.
One study had some shocking results
The American Sleep Foundation found that about half of drivers drive when they are drowsy. Even more shocking, 20% of drivers admit that they have nodded off while driving at least once in their life. The truth is that these drivers are likely not aware of just how dangerous this is. Those who do know it is dangerous likely think that being just a little tired doesn’t have a huge impact. They would be wrong.
Just how serious is the issue?
If a person has gone 20 hours without sleep and gets behind the wheel, their driving is just as impaired as if they had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%. A person who is drowsy cannot focus on what they are doing, they cannot react to hazards, and their decision making abilities are reduced so that they cannot make smart decisions. The longer a person has gone without sleeping, the more dangerous they are.
Common symptoms of drowsy driving
To ensure you do not get behind the wheel while drowsy, be aware of some of the most common symptoms of being too drowsy to drive. If you are having a hard time focusing, if you find yourself daydreaming, if you are blinking a lot or your eyes feel heavy, then you may be too drowsy to drive. If you find yourself yawning over and over again and have trouble keeping your head up, then you should likely not drive.
Call today if you have been the victim of an accident involving drowsy driving
If you have been involved in a car accident, motorcycle accident, pedestrian accident, or other type of accident that was caused by another driver getting behind the wheel while drowsy, then you should contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 right now for a free legal consultation.
