From a young age, we are made highly aware of the dangers of drinking and driving, doing drugs and driving, and being distracted while driving. However, we don’t often talk about the dangers of driving drowsy and the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.
The Importance of Adequate Rest
In much the same vein as drugs, alcohol, and distractions all increase a driver’s risk of making a mistake, so too does driving drowsy and falling asleep behind the wheel. Those who have had fewer than seven hours of sleep are at a higher risk of being involved in a car accident than those who receive at least seven hours of sleep. This is why getting adequate rest is so important. In fact, studies show that the amount of sleep you have had over the last 24 hours is a large factor in driving drowsy.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for an adult to receive less than 7 hours of sleep each night. But one of the issues is that it’s difficult to determine if an accident was, in fact, caused by drowsy driving – unless, of course, the driver admits to being tired. This is why statistics surrounding drowsy driving may be much higher than accounted for. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving is responsible for about 100,000 crashes per year, and claimed the lives of 795 individuals in 2017, while the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety claims that number is closer to 328,000.
How Can You Prevent Drowsy Driving?
So, here’s the good news: drowsy driving accidents are completely preventable. There are things that you can do to help prevent car accidents due to fatigue. These include:
- Only traveling when you are highly awake
- Avoiding medications that list drowsiness as a side effect
- Taking a break after every two hours of driving
- Having a passenger to talk to (although you must be careful to prevent distracted driving)
- Getting at least seven good hours of sleep each night
- Pulling over and resting or switching drivers if you feel tired
By adhering to these simple things, you can help to prevent drowsy driving accidents, protecting yourself and others.
The Attorneys at Ceja Law Firm Help Those in Houston Who Have Been Injured in an Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to the recklessness or negligence of another, it’s vital that you understand what you are entitled to under the law. With this information under your belt, you can make important decisions regarding how you want to move forward. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Houston personal injury attorney.
At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we understand the impact that an accident can have on many parts of your life and the importance of properly dealing with such negligence or recklessness. That’s why we will work to get you the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
