Nearly every driver admits to driving while they are over tired. Not sure if you have? Have you ever driven while:
- Having trouble focusing?
- Blinking your eyes frequently due to heavy eyelids?
- Having difficulty keeping daydreams at bay?
- Missing clearly marked exits or traffic signs?
- Being unable to remember the last few miles driven?
- Feeling irritable, restless or aggressive?
According to the National Sleep Foundation, all of the above behaviors are linked to drowsy driving. Think that it's no big deal? That as long as you are not nodding off you are fine to drive? Think again.
Drowsy Drivers Cause Accidents in Virginia, Nationwide
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that each year drowsy driving causes at least 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and over 100,000 accidents. In addition, a poll done by the Foundation uncovered that one-third of Americans admit to having fallen asleep behind the wheel. More than half believe that they have driven while drowsy.
Why Drowsy Driving is Dangerous
Driving while overly tired slows your reaction times, much the way alcohol does. When driving while drowsy your vision is impaired, you may suffer from lapses in judgment and your brain processes at a slower rate than normal. Studies have shown that being awake for more than 20 hours results in impairment equal to a blood alcohol level of 0.08%.
Preventing a Drowsy Driving Accident
If you are driving and you notice any of the above symptoms of drowsy driving, please take the time to pull over and rest. Pulling your car over in a safe location and allowing your body and mind to get a short nap can mean the difference between falling asleep at the wheel and arriving safely at your destination.
If You Have Been Hit by a Drowsy or Sleeping Driver
If you have been hit by a driver who has fallen asleep at the wheel or admits to driving while overly tired, there is something you can do. Filing a personal injury lawsuit in Virginia can help you get the compensation you need to pay for medical bills, lost wages and car repairs or replacement. Contact your experienced, aggressive car accident attorneys at Tavss Fletcher today for your free consultation. Get your life back on track. Call today.