Hazards of Drowsy Driving

Most people would think twice before getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking. What many people do not realize is that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. In fact, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) categorizes drowsy driving as impaired driving, which is the same category it uses for drunk driving and distracted driving.

A traffic safety consultant for AAA commented that people simply do not consider drowsy driving to be a serious issue. Most people do not think it is as dangerous as distracted driving, when in fact it is probably more dangerous because it sneaks up on you. When you consider the fact that over 83 million people drive when they are tired every day, and that there were 5,000 fatalities last year, it should be a wakeup call to drivers as to just how serious the problem is.

Steps to Take to Prevent Drowsy Driving Car Accidents

 To avoid a drowsy driving car accident in Maryland, keep the following tips in mind, especially if you are going to be traveling long distances:

• Avoid taking any medication that causes drowsiness when driving. Check the warning labels on all over-the-counter and prescription medications you are taking before getting behind the wheel.
• If you are traveling long distances, make sure you are driving with a companion so that you can share the driving responsibilities.
• Take breaks on a regular basis to get out of the car and stretch. Consider stopping every 100 miles, or every two hours.
• Avoid driving at night if that is when you would normally be sleeping.
• If you begin to feel tired, find a safe place to pull over to take a nap. Make sure the area is well-lit, like a rest area or service plaza.
• Coffee, or other caffeinated drinks, can help you stay alert. But do not rely on caffeine if you are exhausted. Even a couple of hours of sleep can help.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Maximum Compensation for Victims of Drowsy Driving

 Drowsy driving is a serious problem that affects thousands of people each year. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving a drowsy driver, the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton will work hard to investigate the details surrounding the wreck and make sure that the negligent parties are held responsible. We will not stop until justice has been served. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are conveniently located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent victims of medical malpractice throughout the state of Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Queen Anne’s County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Brooklandville, Catonsville, Dundalk, Elkridge, Essex, Gwynn Oak, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Parkville, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, and Ridgewood.