Drowsy Driving: What You Need to Know

Drowsy driving causes about 100,000 auto accidents every year. Fifty-five percent of those accidents are caused by drivers ages 25 and younger. This Drowsy Driving Prevention Week recognized Nov. 1-8 take the time to educate young drivers (and refresh yourself) about the warning signs and dangers of driving while fatigued.

Why Is Drowsy Driving a Problem?

Driving while drowsy limits your attention, diminishes your reaction time and hinders decision-making capabilities while behind the wheel. Studies show that driving while drowsy causes just as much impairment as driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent legally drunk. Many drivers arent aware that fatigue can cause this level of impairment, though they know the dangers of drunk driving.

Drowsy driving leads to as many as 6,000 fatal accidents each year, which could be avoided if drivers would stay off the roads when fatigued.

Signs You Need to Stop

All drivers should be aware of the signs that indicate they are too drowsy to continue driving. These signs include:

Who Is at Risk?

You may be at a higher risk for driving fatigued if you:

• Have had less than six hours of sleep or suffer from sleep disorders
• Suffer from poor quality sleep or sleep debt
• Dont take breaks when traveling long distances
• Work long shifts or overnight shifts
• Take sedating medications such as antihistamines, cold medicine, or antidepressants
• Drive alone
• Are a commercial driver
• Are driving dark, long or boring stretches of roadway.

Has a drowsy driver caused you serious injury? Contact the auto accident lawyers at the law offices of Pitman, Kalkhoff, Sicula & Dentice, S.C. today. Our injury lawyers Milkwaukee charge no upfront fees if we take on your case. Ph: 414-333-3333.