Posted in Car Accident,Distracted Driving,Negligence,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on April 6, 2015
April 6 Designated as “Drowsy Driving Awareness Day”
Drowsy driving is a major problem in Tennessee and throughout the nation, and that’s why Monday, April 6, has been designated as “Drowsy Driving Awareness Day” to put a spotlight on this important issue.
A report by wkrn.com says that a poll by the National Sleep Foundation found that more than 103 million people have fallen asleep behind the wheel while driving.
In addition, Jeremy Lyon, a spokesperson with Brentwood Driver Training, stated that while drivers between the ages of 18 and 29 are most likely to drive while drowsy, the number of drowsy driving crashes involving young parents is also on the rise.
Lyon also suggests that drivers should learn to recognize the signs that indicate they are getting tired and to take frequent breaks as needed. He indicated that stopping and simply sitting the vehicle isn’t enough to combat drowsiness, and that drivers should get out of their cars and walk around to combat sleepiness.
Finally, Lyon stated that drivers who get behind the wheel who haven’t slept in 24 hours are just as impaired as drivers who are intoxicated due to alcohol consumption.
The Cookeville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law know how dangerous drowsy driving can be, and we hope all drivers in the city and throughout the state take these tips to heart if they feel sleepy while driving.
Get the Facts on Drowsy Driving
As the article above states, drowsy driving is just as dangerous as driving after consuming enough alcohol to become over the legal limit. Other stats about drowsy driving that may surprise you include:
People who work at night or who have erratic schedules are more likely to get behind the wheel while sleep-deprived, making them more 11 percent more likely to cause drowsy driving accidents than drivers who work traditional schedules.
A poll conducted in 2000 found that 42 percent of drowsy drivers get stressed behind the wheel, 32 percent become impatient with other drivers, and 12 percent driver faster. All of these emotions and behaviors can increase the risk of being involved in an accident.
Young drivers tend to continue on their way even after they notice themselves feeling sleep or drowsy, while older drivers are more likely to stop and take a nap. Because drowsiness only becomes more pronounced over time, younger drivers are at a much higher risk of falling asleep and losing control of their vehicles.
Long, monotonous stretches of highway or interstate, such as those found in rural areas, often feature very little change in terrain, direction, or elevation. Drowsy drivers are particularly susceptible of falling asleep on these stretches of road, which means they should always stop and rest or even take a nap if they become sleepy in rural areas.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Cookeville car accident lawyers are very familiar with victims of drowsy driving accidents and we know how quickly these accidents can change lives forever. That’s why we urge all drivers to never get behind the wheel of their vehicle when they feel sleepy, and to always pull over and rest or even stop for the night if they feel too drowsy to continue driving.
If you or someone you love was injured by a drowsy driver, get in touch with our legal team today. We have the resources and the experience to build a claim that can help you get the compensation you deserve. Just dial (931) 754-1188 or fill out a free online form to speak with our staff members.
