The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), conducted a study that found that in 2014, drowsy driving claimed the lives of 846 people. Currently, the NHTSA is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to draw awareness to the dangers associated with driving while drowsy in hopes that it will reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries.
Those who are most likely to drive while drowsy are parents, especially those with young children and teenagers. Most parents will at some point experience staying awake all night with an ill child, but will still have to go to work the next morning. Consider that on average, a person will have a thirty-minute commute to and from work each day, a parent who has been up all night will put themselves and other motorists at risk of death or serious injury during their commute.
According to the NHTSA, the most number of incidents that occur due to driving while drowsy happen between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. or late afternoon. While it may not be an easy task to avoid driving while fatigued, there are certain recommendations provided by the NHTSA. According to the NHTSA, here are some of the tips:
- Try to get at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night.
- Be well rested prior to taking a long road trip.
- Never drink alcohol prior to driving. While alcohol impairs an individual’s ability to operate a vehicle, it also increases fatigue.
- Never drive if you are taking a medication that may cause drowsiness. Find another method of transportation or wait until the effects of the medication ware off.
- Try not to drive between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
- Be conscious of feelings of fatigue. If you are experiencing drowsiness, drink a coffee, energy drink, or something containing caffeine. Also, opening the window or turning on the air conditioner can help.
- Find a safe place to stop and sleep.
While many people cannot refrain from driving while drowsy due to a job or other responsibilities, it is important to keep these suggestions in mind. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact a New York personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling these matters. The personal injury lawyers at Goldberg Sager & Associates are experienced in dealing with all aspects of personal injury and is dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case. For a free phone consultation, contact the Brooklyn personal injury lawyers at Goldberg Sager & Associates at 718-645-6677.
