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Why is drowsy driving so dangerous?

On Behalf of | Aug 26, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

You probably already recognize that driving distracted and driving drunk are dangerous activities that can result in serious collisions. But you may not fully realize the risk of driving while you feel tired.

In 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving was the cause of approximately 91,000 car accidents. However, this may be an underestimated figure and many more car crashes may occur due to drowsy driving every year.

The effects of drowsiness on your ability to drive

When you try and drive after not getting enough sleep, you will have slower reaction times to emergency situations that require you to steer or brake suddenly. Drowsy driving can also make it harder to make sound decisions behind the wheel and pay proper attention to the road in front of you.

The signs of drowsiness

When you drive, there are certain signs you should watch for to determine if you are driving drowsy. For instance, if you blink or yawn frequently, have a hard time remembering the past few miles you drove, drift in and out of your lane or miss the exit you need to take, you could be drowsy driving and more likely to get into a car accident.

Although you may take steps to prevent drowsy driving and stay safe when you drive, you cannot control the choices other drivers make. If you sustained injuries in an accident caused by a negligent driver, take steps to protect your right to fair and proper compensation.