When you get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, it’s essential that you are 100 percent alert. Unfortunately, there are times when people decide to drive drowsy.
According to a National Sleep Foundation poll, approximately 60 percent of adults have taken the wheel while they were tired. Adding to this, 103 million people have fallen asleep while driving.
There are many reasons for drowsy driving, including but not limited to: working long hours, sleep disorders, a lack of quality sleep, and constantly changing work schedules.
Every year, thousands of motor vehicle accidents are the result of driver fatigue. Here are some of the many tips you can follow to avoid this trouble:
— Get a minimum of seven hours of sleep before taking to the road
— Never get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you have been awake for more than 24 consecutive hours
— Pull your vehicle to a safe place if you are drowsy and unable to drive in a safe manner
— Stop every few hours to take a break, rest your mind, and nap if necessary
— Travel during times when you are typically awake
If you find yourself on the road in the middle of the night, for example, it’s only natural for fatigue to begin to set in.
Even if you are 100 percent alert and ready to tackle the road ahead, you can’t always be sure that other drivers feel the same way. It’s possible that one or more motorist is driving drowsy, which increases the chance of being part of a crash.
If a drowsy driver strikes your vehicle, do these things:
— Move your car to safety
— Call for the police and an ambulance
— Receive medical attention as to learn more about your injuries
As you make your recovery, you should also focus on your legal rights. You may be able to file a lawsuit against the negligent party with the idea of receiving compensation for your injuries and other damages.
If you need assistance during this challenging time, consult with a motor vehicle accident attorney. This person can review your case and make sure you are taking all the right steps in receiving compensation.
