5 Tips for Avoiding Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving is a serious threat to public safety, according to new information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). More than 1.2 million auto accidents are caused by drowsy driving every year—a much higher number than was previously estimated. The 2009 Massachusetts Special Commission on Drowsy Driving estimates that as many as 8,000 deaths and 500,000 injuries could be attributed to drowsy driving each year.

The NHTSA says drowsiness can greatly affect a driver’s alertness, judgment and reaction time, which can all lead to a crash.

If you find yourself frequently driving while tired, here are 5 tips for avoiding a drowsy driving accident:

  1. Get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night so your body is rested enough to function well all day long.
  2. Don’t drink any alcohol before driving, even if you’ll be under the legal limit. Pairing alcohol with sleepiness will only increase your drowsiness.
  3. Don’t drive if you have taken medications that cause drowsiness.
  4. If you are driving with someone else and begin to feel drowsy, let your passenger drive for a while so you can take a break.
  5. Drink a cup of coffee or an energy drink for a short-term solution, but don’t rely on caffeine to keep you awake for long stretches of driving.

“Drowsy driving might not immediately come to mind as one of the major hazards on the road, but the research shows that sleepy drivers can be a serious safety threat,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

 

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

Recent Posts
Popular Tags

Walter Clark Legal Group

Walter Clark Legal Group
N/a
Skip to content