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Drowsy Driving Increases The Risk Of Having A Car Accident

June 26, 2014

Driving requires constant focus and coordination.  If a driver is drowsy, their concentration is impaired, and they risk falling asleep at the wheel.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving was a factor in 100,000 crashes per year, resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths.  A survey from the National Sleep Foundation revealed that nearly three out of ten adults drive drowsy at least once a month.

There is never a safe time to drive while drowsy, although experts say some times may be more dangerous than others.  The windows between 2am and 6am, as well as 2pm and 5pm, are when energy points are at their lowest.  If you can avoid trips during these times, you’ll be less likely to have a drowsy driving car accident.  Mentally, people are at their sharpest at 9am and 9pm, and most people reach their physical peak at 11am and 7pm.

Getting Rest and Fueling Up Help Avoid Car Accidents

The best way to avoid driving drowsy is to get enough rest.  When a full night’s rest is not an option, napping can help drivers temporarily restore their capability.  A power nap can be just that – 15 minutes of rest can be converted into up to two hours of unimpaired driving.  Longer naps can also be helpful, but if drivers are resting for more than 15 minutes, it can take longer to recover.

When going on a long trip, it’s important to stay hydrated and pack snacks.  Fruits, vegetables, and protein-filled snacks such as hard-boiled eggs and protein bars should be eaten periodically throughout the trip.  Large meals or starchy foods can make drivers lethargic.  Green and herbal teas can help, as well as coffee, although experts say to avoid sugar.

If you can, bring a friend on a long trip to share the driving.  Drivers can take turns resting while the other is operating the vehicle.  No one has to be behind the wheel too long, and drivers can start each shift feeling refreshed.

Drowsy driving puts not only the driver, but every vehicle on the road at risk.  Auto accidents involving drowsy drivers can be serious and sometimes fatal.  If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a drowsy driving accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help determine who is responsible and hold those parties accountable for their negligence.

Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates Help Car Accident Victims Get Compensation

The Philadelphia auto accident attorneys at Nerenberg Law Associates have been representing victims of motor vehicle accidents for over 15 years.  Our legal team is dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve, and will handle your case with compassion and care.  With offices conveniently located in Center City, Philadelphia, we advocate for drowsy driving car accident victims in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  Call us today at 215-569-9100 or contact us online to review your case with a qualified personal injury attorney.