Falling Asleep at the Wheel
Nearly every driver has been in a situation where they are simply too tired to be on the road. However, drivers should keep in mind the potentially dangerous effects of driving while exhausted and drowsy. According to a survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 90% of traffic officers have pulled over a driver they believed to be drunk who instead turned out to be overly tired. An exhausted driver is just like a drunk driver: distracted, unfocused, and often unaware of the environment outside of the car. Because of this, a person driving while overly tired can be a hazard on the road and can cause serious accidents.
All motorists should be aware of their physical and mental condition before driving. If overly tired, drivers should remember to follow recommended safety procedures, including:
- Do not drive if you are too tired to pay full attention to the road.
- Pull over and take a break.
- Consider consuming a snack or some caffeine to help you stay awake.
- Get someone else to drive.
- Don’t take medications that make you drowsy.
- Read safety labels on all medications and make sure they don’t cause drowsiness.
- Plan ahead on long trips.
- Get plenty of sleep before a long trip.
- Take frequent breaks and switch drivers when needed
- Plan your day and your route to minimize the chance that you will drive while tired.
Contact Us
Unfortunately, many motorists make the choice to drive while overly drowsy and can cause accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, contact the Kenosha car accident lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C. at 800-242-2874 to schedule a free initial consultation.
