How Can I Tell if I’m at Risk for Driving Drowsy?
Many people don’t think twice about the lack of sleep they got the night before. They down a cup or two of coffee in the morning, grab their car keys, and head down the road. While some tired drivers make it to their destinations without a close call or a traffic accident, others aren’t so fortunate. Lack of sleep plays a huge part in causing auto accidents in Florida and throughout this country.
Unfortunately, drowsy driving is prevalent in this nation. In fact, it is the most under-estimated traffic safety issue that the public faces on the roadway. Because of the safety concern, it is important that every driver takes measures to eliminate driver sleepiness. This can be done by getting eight or more hours of sleep a night and assessing oneself for warning signs of drowsy driving, such as:
- Are you yawning frequently?
- Are your eyelids feeling heavy?
- Are you repeatedly rubbing your eyes?
- Is your head nodding off?
- Are you irritable or restless?
- Are you having a hard time concentrating?
- Is your car weaving in your own lane or has it crossed into another lane?
- Are you driving at different speeds for no reason?
- Did you miss your exit?
- Are you having trouble remembering the last several miles driven?
It can be hard to assess yourself for drowsiness while driving because if you are at risk for falling asleep behind the wheel, you won’t have the mental capacity to ask yourself those questions. This is why it is important that you get plenty of sleep and understand the risk factors involved with drowsy driving, such as:
- Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, insomnia etc.
- Driving for long periods of time with few breaks
- Driving at night or in the early morning when you are usually asleep
- Working long periods and then getting behind the wheel
- Use medications that cause tiredness
- Drinking any amount of alcohol
By avoiding driving a car if these risk factors are an issue, you can reduce your risk of crashing. If you suffered an injury due to another driver’s drowsiness, you have a right to collect compensation for your damages. To learn about your legal rights to a financial recovery, call a personal injury lawyer in South Florida at the Law Offices of David Benenfeld for a free consultation at 866-9 HELP NOW or 866-943-5766 today.
