In today’s rushed society, we often see and hear about speed-related automobile accidents on a daily basis, whether they occur in Florida or elsewhere throughout the country. However, in more recent years, we are hearing more and more about accidents that are caused by drivers who get behind the wheel when they are too tired to drive.
Drowsy driving has become a very serious problem, as many drivers simply are not getting enough sleep due to demanding work and/or personal schedules. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released statistics that showed that drowsy or tired driving resulted in over 70,000 automobile accidents just a few short years ago in 2013 — 800 of which ended in fatalities, while over 40,000 of them resulted in injuries.
Why Aren’t People Getting Enough Sleep?
Various Gallup polls have noted that approximately 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. have some sort of sleep issue such that the quality and quantity of sleep is impacting one’s driving abilities. So, why aren’t people sleeping?
The NHTSA found that a lack of sleep for many can stem from any number of things, including socializing with friends and family late at night, staying up to prepare for special occasions and/or holidays, caring for young children or even doing shift work and overtime.
Workers who routinely suffer from a lack of sleep include individuals who work in hospitals, pilots, truckers, bus drivers and any other workers in high-demand jobs.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Drowsy Driving Accidents?
Of course, the obvious answer to this question is to get more sleep prior to hitting the road. However, your Naples accident attorney knows it is never that simple, especially when people lead such busy lives and obligations have to be met.
Still, there are warning signs of which drivers should take note that will help them have a better idea of when they may be too tired to continue driving. For instance, if you are traveling on the road and you appear to “space out” such that you have no recollection of the last two or three miles you’ve driven, you may need to pull over and get some rest.
Additionally, if you find yourself hitting the curb or drifting into other lanes, that could certainly be an indication that you are too tired to drive. Teary or blurred vision, as well as having problems keeping your eyes opened and focused on the roadway is another sign that you may be too tired to operate a motor vehicle.
If You’ve Been Injured in an Accident, Contact The Kelleher Firm
Even with hi-tech gadgets and automakers attempting to come up with ways to help keep drivers alert when traveling, drowsy driving accidents are still occurring. We know that an accident can happen anywhere, so it is important for all drivers to remain as alert as possible when driving.
If you or someone you love has been involved in an automobile accident with a vehicle that may have been driven by a drowsy driver, you are encouraged to contact Attorney Ryan Kuhl as soon as possible to discuss the particulars of your case.