Drowsy Driving Is Common but Preventable

Drowsy Driving Common in North Dakota and Throughout the U.S.

If you asked the average person to name the top three causes of car accidents, chances are that driving under the influence of alcohol or drunks, texting and driving, and speeding would be the responses. Lack of sleep and driver fatigue would probably not be a response that most people would give, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that drowsy drivers were the cause of an estimated 72,000 accidents in which 800 people died and another 44,000 were injured. Other estimates put the total number of fatal crashes attributable to tired drivers at 6,000 each year.

A driver who is tired because of not getting enough sleep or who suffers from a sleep disorder that prevents the individual from getting the full benefit of the hours spent sleeping may experience the following while driving:

• An inability to focus and pay attention
• Impaired reflexes and slower reaction time
• Impairment of the ability to make proper decisions about road conditions and events

It is estimated that at least one in every 25 motorists has admitted to falling asleep at the wheel of their car at some point during the past month. Men are more likely to be affected by drowsiness than are women, and young drivers between the ages of 18 to 29 years of age are more prone to drowsy driving than are older drivers. One study found that 71 percent of drivers in the 18-29 age group drove while drowsy while only 19 percent of drivers 65 years of age and older did so.

Drowsy driving can affect any driver, but some groups were more likely to be driving without having gotten enough rest. These groups include:

• Commercial drivers: The operators of tractor trailers, tow trucks and buses work long and sometimes irregular schedules that can affect sleep patterns.
• Shift workers: Police officers, factory workers and firefighters whose work schedules change or who are required to work overtime could not get enough sleep or have their sleep disrupted because of changes in their shifts.
• Sleep disorders: Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders can make it difficult for individuals to sleep soundly. Sleeping disorders can result in individuals feeling tired even after sleeping for many hours.

The simple way to avoid becoming a drowsy driver is to get at least seven hours of sleep. Establishing a sleep schedule and sticking to it is important to ensuring that the time you set aside for sleeping results in you feeling refreshed and invigorated. Individuals with sleep disorders should see a doctor about treatment options that are currently available.

Motorists should learn to recognize when they are becoming drowsy or tired. Excessive blinking and yawning combined with difficulty staying in lane should not be ignored as telltale signs of drowsiness and fatigue. The best solution is to pull over and let someone else do the driving. If a second driver is not an option a drowsy motorist should pull off the road, park in a safe location in a safe location and take a nap for at least 20 to 30 minutes.

If you are the victim of an accident caused by a drowsy driver, the Minot car accident lawyers at the Larson Law Firm, P.C. help you recover the compensation you need for medical treatments, rehabilitation, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact us before talking to insurance adjusters or investigators. Call 701-484-4878, or use the convenient form to contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.