It’s evident that drowsy driving is the cause of hundreds of thousands
of preventable
auto accidents annually. Unfortunately, a good amount of these of these types of accidents
end in disaster, resulting in serious bodily injury and even death. Whether
you’re a young driver or
truck driver, drowsy driving can happen to anyone. Studies have demonstrated that one
out of 10 drivers have fallen asleep behind the wheel. Sometimes, even
the use of alcohol or
controlled substances can contribute to drowsiness while driving.
The following are common warning signs of drowsy driving:
- Heavy eyelids
- Frequent blinking
- Difficulty focusing
- Delayed reaction time
- Continuous yawning
- Short-term memory failure
- Missing turns and exits
- Difficulty keeping your head up
- Difficultly keeping your eyes open
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Decreased driving performance
If you are in a situation where you are experiencing one or more of the
symptoms listed above, it’s imperative to pull over to a safe area
and rest before a serious accident occurs. However, there are corrective
measures you can take before you even step behind the wheel in order to
protect yourself and others you share the road with.
Drowsy driving prevention tips include:
- Coordinate your route well before you depart
- Schedule breaks for rest, food, or restroom stops
- Bring a friend along for the ride to have someone you could talk to and
help you stay awake
- Don’t consume any alcohol or substances that will make you sleepy
- If you feel tired, switch drivers or stop driving
If you suffered an injury due to a drowsy driver,
contact Paulsen Law Group and
schedule a free consultation today.