Five Types of People at Risk for Drowsy Driving Car Accidents
Many of us live active lives and keep busy juggling the responsibilities of work, family, and social lives. Unfortunately, our health can end up suffering as a result. Lack of sleep is a common problem and in addition to making you vulnerable to serious health conditions, it can also increase the likelihood of potentially serious car accidents. Drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of accidents and injuries. The following highlights five types of people most at risk.
Are You at Risk of Drowsy Driving?
Drowsy driving involves driving while excessively fatigued and could cause you to fall asleep behind the wheel. Even if you do manage to stay awake, not getting enough sleep has a major impact on your driving abilities. According to the National Sleep Foundation, drowsy driving negatively affects your concentration, judgment, and reaction time. In fact, driving after staying up for more than 18 hours straight is the equivalent to driving with a blood alcohol content level of .08, which puts you over the legal limit.
In order to avoid the dangers of drowsy driving, it is important to be aware of your potential risks. The following are five types of people who, as drivers, are likely to be most susceptible:
- Students: Young people in high school or college face the challenge of balancing school and work, while staying up late at night studying for tests and exams. As a result, they can shortchange themselves when it comes to getting enough sleep, comprising their driving abilities.
- New Parents: Being a new parent is a daunting task. It often involves midnight feedings and late night efforts to comfort a crying baby. For working parents who have to get up and drive to work in the morning, it is important to be aware of the potential risks.
- Caregivers: If you have aging parents or loved ones who are sick or suffer from chronic health conditions, it is common to feel stretched tight in terms of your schedule. Be alert to the signs that you need more rest and be cautious in rushing between work, home, and errands.
- Shift and Overtime Workers: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), late night shift workers and those who regularly perform overtime are among those most at risk for drowsy driving accidents.
- People With Undiagnosed Sleep Disorders: Insomnia is a common problem, as are other sleep disturbances, such as sleep apnea. Those who suffer from these conditions often go undiagnosed and untreated. The effects of never getting enough sleep at night, along with certain medications they may be taking, significantly increase their car accident risks.
Contact Us Today for Help
Car crashes caused by drowsy driving can be difficult to pinpoint. If you are injured in an accident and suspect this may have been a factor, the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely is here to help. To request a consultation to discuss your case, reach out and contact our Bradenton car accident attorney today.
Resources:
sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/drowsy-driving-vs-drunk-driving-how-similar-are-they
cdc.gov/features/dsdrowsydriving/index.html
