There are many recent trends that are coming together to lead the increase in car accidents throughout the state of California. One issue that has gotten more attention recently, after several studies have shown just how serious it can be, is drowsy driving. Keep reading to get the facts about this risk factor for accidents. If you are injured in an accident, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Nearly 800 People Lost Their Lives in 2017 Due to Drowsy Driving
The first and most important thing to know is that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 800 fatal car accidents throughout the U.S. in 2017 that were caused by or contributed to by drowsy driving. It is a dangerous, underreported issue that affects hundreds each year. The good news is that there are steps you can take to help reduce your chances of being involved in a drowsy driving accident.
Follow These Tips to Increase Alertness When Driving
Ideally you should get at least seven if not eight hours of sleep each night. This may seem like a dream for some people, but getting enough sleep is important not just for your driving ability but for your overall health. If you are a parent of a teenager, do not let them drive if they have not gotten a good night’s sleep.
Do not drink alcohol before you drive – even one drink. Remember that the legal BAC limit is 0.08% but a person can be significantly impaired at just 0.02%. If you are also tired, then pairing fatigue with any amount of alcohol can be a deadly combination. Before you take any medication – whether prescription or over the counter – make sure you check the label to find out if drowsiness is a side effect. If it is, take it a few times before driving to find out how it affects you.
More Stats About Drowsy Driving
If you are still not convinced, consider these states. In 2015 alone, police reported that there were more than 90,000 car accidents involving drowsy drivers. Those 90,000 accidents resulted in about 41,000 injuries and the deaths discussed above. The most common times for drowsing driving are not late at night like many people would expect – they are early in the morning and in the late afternoon.
In many cases, drowsy driving accidents only affect one driver who is run off the road. There is often no evidence that they used their breaks at all. These accidents often happen on rural roads and highways. Even for drivers who do not actually fall asleep behind the wheel, drowsy driving impacts cognition, performance, and reaction times. If you have been injured in an accident that you suspect involved drowsy driving, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now for a free legal consultation.
