Drowsiness can have many impacts on a person. In certain contexts, these impacts can create major dangers. This includes when an individual is behind the wheel.
As is the case with drunk driving and distracted driving, drowsy driving poses major accident risks.
A prevalent traffic safety problem
Unfortunately, in addition to being dangerous, fatigued driving is also very common. For example, in a AAA survey, nearly a third of respondents indicated that they had recently had trouble keeping their eyes open due to tiredness when driving.
Common risk factors
There are many things that could increase a motorist’s risk of being drowsy behind the wheel, including:
- Driving for long, uninterrupted stretches
- Not getting enough sleep
- Having an untreated medical condition that effects sleep quality
- Taking medications that can cause drowsiness
It can be important for drivers to keep an eye on whether any major risk factors for drowsiness are present in their lives.
Drowsy driving prevention tips
There are various steps drivers can take to try to avoid getting dangerously tired behind the wheel. These include:
- Making sure to get enough sleep
- Taking regular breaks when out on long trips
- Bringing someone along to share driving duties on long trips
- Making safe decisions regarding when to get behind the wheel
- Talking to a doctor if concerns about sleep quality arise
- Being aware of what drowsiness risks could come with the medicines you take
When encounters with drowsy drivers end in crashes
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the drivers you share the roads with will be vigilant about drowsy driving prevention.
Encounters with tired drivers can, sadly, sometimes result in life-changing injuries. When individuals are hurt as a result of car crashes coming out of such encounters, it can be important for them to seek out guidance on their legal rights and what options related to compensation they have under such rights.