Newport News DUI Attorney – Drowsy Driving Is As Dangerous as Drunk Driving
Did you know that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving is implicated in over 100,000 car crashes per year. 71,000 Americans have been injured and 1,500 have lost their lives in crashes where a driver was driving while drowsy.
Common Reasons People Drive While Tired
- Not Enough Sleep
- Undiagnosed Sleep Conditions
- Long Shift Hours
- Consumption of Drugs and/or Alcohol
Apart from falling asleep at the wheel driving while fatigued can affect other aspects of your ability to drive. A drowsy driver can experience impaired reaction time, judgement, or vision. Some drowsy drivers experience problems with information processing and short-term memory, as well as increased moodiness and aggression.
Drowsy Driving Warning Signs
- Tailgating: Often times a sleepy driver may not realize they’re tailgating. Sometimes when drivers become drowsy they have difficulty focusing and may not realize how closely they’re following behind you.
- Drifting between lanes: Drowsy drivers and drunk drivers both do this. If a driver is falling asleep at the wheel their car may slowly drift into another lane. Make sure you’re alert on the road and can spot a drowsy driver ahead by this symptom.
- Hitting the shoulder or rumble strip: If a driver has momentarily fallen asleep at the wheel, their car may drift into the shoulder or onto the rumble strip. Due to the rumble strip creating a loud, bumpy ride, most drivers are awakened by it.
If you find yourself driving on the road with tired drivers, report them to the local highway patrol as soon as possible. You could prevent a serious collision or even save a life.
After a car accident, if you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a negligent drowsy driver, our Newport News car accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. With nearly four decades of legal experience, you can sure you’ll be represented by a knowledgeable, dedicated injury attorney.