It’s evident that drowsy driving is the cause of hundreds of thousands of preventable auto accidents annually. Unfortunately, a good amount of these of these types of accidents end in disaster, resulting in serious bodily injury and even death. Whether you’re a young driver or truck driver, drowsy driving can happen to anyone. Studies have demonstrated that one out of 10 drivers have fallen asleep behind the wheel. Sometimes, even the use of alcohol or controlled substances can contribute to drowsiness while driving.
The following are common warning signs of drowsy driving:
- Heavy eyelids
- Frequent blinking
- Difficulty focusing
- Delayed reaction time
- Continuous yawning
- Short-term memory failure
- Missing turns and exits
- Difficulty keeping your head up
- Difficultly keeping your eyes open
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Decreased driving performance
If you are in a situation where you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed above, it’s imperative to pull over to a safe area and rest before a serious accident occurs. However, there are corrective measures you can take before you even step behind the wheel in order to protect yourself and others you share the road with.
Drowsy driving prevention tips include:
- Coordinate your route well before you depart
- Schedule breaks for rest, food, or restroom stops
- Bring a friend along for the ride to have someone you could talk to and help you stay awake
- Don’t consume any alcohol or substances that will make you sleepy
- If you feel tired, switch drivers or stop driving
If you suffered an injury due to a drowsy driver, contact Paulsen Law Group and schedule a free consultation today.