Summer Drowsy Driving: Reduce Your Car Accident Risks

Summer is one of the busiest times of the year in Bradenton. Between picnics, outdoor hobbies, and road trips, it is easy to stay active seven days a week. It is also a busy time for visitors to the area and many residents end up working long shifts or even picking up a second job as a way of earning some extra money. Unfortunately, all of these activities can cause you to miss out on sleep. This is a bad combination when you get behind the wheel. Drowsy driving is a leading cause of car accidents and injuries. Be aware of the potential dangers and the ways you can protect yourself.

Drowsy Driving Risks

Drowsy driving means operating a motor vehicle while excessively tired. A lack of sleep impacts your vision, your judgement, and your reflexes, impairing your driving abilities in much the same way as alcohol. It also increases the odds of falling asleep behind the wheel. Even if you do not feel tired, driving on anything less than eight hours of sleep could put you at risk.

According to EHS Today, drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents and summer is one of the most common times for these crashes to occur. Driving for long hours on road trips will naturally make you sleepy, as will driving home after a day spent out in the sun or engaged in physical activities. Other factors that increase your risks include:

• Working long hours or holding multiple jobs;
• Working overnight or swing shifts;
• Suffering from sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnea;
• Having an active social life, in which you work all day then spend all night out in bars or clubs;
• Personal situations that keep you up at night, such as a new baby and worries over finances or other family members.

Protecting Yourself Against Drowsy Driving Car Accidents

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that roughly one out of every 25 drivers on the road admits to falling asleep for a few seconds while behind the wheel at some point over the last 30 days. Steps you can take to reduce your risks include:

• Make getting eight hours of sleep at night a priority;
• Speak to your doctor about any sleep disturbances you have;
• Be aware of warning signs that you may be excessively tired, such yawning, watery eyes, and difficulty focusing;
• Consider using alternative means of transportation, such as taking a bus or cab.

In addition to making sure you are not too tired, be alert for drowsy drivers you may encounter on the road. This is common at night, during early morning, and weekends. Watch for motorists going over or under the speed limit, driving with their lights off, or weaving in and out of their lane.

Let Us Help You Today

When drowsy driving accidents happen, the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely helps you get the compensation you need to recover. Call or contact our Bradenton car accident attorney online to  request a consultation today.

https://www.lavelylaw.com/4-factors-that-increase-summer-car-accident-risks/