Young People More Likely to Cause Drowsy Driving Car Accidents
February 27, 2020Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, yet most motorists can probably remember a time when they drove home late at night, or after a long shift at work, and began to feel the physical and mental effects of being tired. From the heavy eyelids and slower reaction time to the decreased awareness and impaired judgment, the effects are disturbingly similar to driving while intoxicated. According to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation, drivers between the ages of 18 and 29 are more likely to be involved in a drowsy driving car accident compared to drivers in other age groups. The combination of being inexperienced behind the wheel and driving after getting too little sleep can have serious consequences.
Young drivers are not the only ones who are prone to drowsy driving. The poll also found that men are more likely to drive while drowsy than women and are nearly twice as likely to fall asleep at the wheel. Shift workers are also more likely to drive on too little sleep than people who work predictable daytime hours, which should come as no surprise. Commercial truck drivers are notorious for driving while drowsy, particularly long-haul drivers. In addition, people who have sleep disorders that are either undiagnosed or untreated are nearly seven times more likely to fall asleep at the wheel.
Signs of Drowsy Driving
If a driver is experiencing any of the following signs, they should stop and rest:
- Difficulty focusing
- Repeated yawning and blinking
- Forgetting how many miles were driven
- Drifting in and out of lanes
- Becoming irritable and restless
Tips to Avoid Driving While Drowsy
To avoid drowsy driving, you should get enough sleep. Although this is certainly true, there are other safety tips to keep in mind as well, including the following:
- Avoid driving at night and plan to stay overnight somewhere rather than drive through the night.
- If someone else is in the vehicle with you, talk about something that will keep you awake and alert.
- Share the driving with another passenger if possible. Try to trade places every 100 miles, or sooner if you start to feel drowsy.
- Take breaks to stretch, get some fresh air, go for a quick walk, or take a quick nap before getting back on the road.
Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Drowsy Driving Accidents
If you were seriously injured in a car accident involving a drowsy driver, you are urged to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. These accidents are preventable if motorists avoid driving when they are fatigued. Our dedicated legal team will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. We will not stop fighting for you until you are completely satisfied. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Prince George’s County, allowing us to represent victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.