You have heard about the risks involved in operating machinery while drowsy. You might have also read it as a warning on a medication label. Drowsiness is not only caused by taking some medications. It can be a result of exhaustion or alcohol consumption. If you are in this state, you should avoid driving a vehicle as you will put yourself and others at risk.
Attitudes About Drowsy Driving
Many drivers underestimate the risks of driving while drowsy. Most will assume that despite experiencing fatigue, they can manage to get behind the steering wheel and drive home. But unfortunately, fatigue plays a huge role in impacting your safety, health, and quality of life.
You might experience fatigue from overworking or dealing with a newborn baby. If you do not get enough sleep at night, you should plan to get a break during the day for a power nap. If you cannot find a chance to rest and you feel drowsy, take a cab home. Do not trust yourself to drive.
Some drivers will argue that automatic vehicles enable one to drive safely to their homes or other destination. Don’t trust such claims, as the case of drowsiness is about the human body and mind and not the safety capacity of a vehicle.
For example, if you stay awake for over 18 hours working, there are high chances that your mind will be exhausted. In this case, your mind will have difficulties concentrating and making decisions. Also, your body will attempt to force you to sleep, which can be highly dangerous while you are on the road.
If you consume alcohol, you should not drive a vehicle if you surpass the legal recommendation. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption can cause drowsiness, putting you at high risk if you drive a car.
Are There Legal Consequences of Drowsy Driving?
In 2017, drowsy driving was responsible for over 90,000 crashes, including about 800 deaths. It is one of the many examples of drowsy driving fatalities, which makes it an equally serious issue as driving under the influence.
If you drive a vehicle while tired, there are chances that you may get involved in an accident. In this case, you will damage your car and cause injuries to yourself and other drivers or pedestrians. Also, you might destroy public or private property. Regardless of the outcome, you may be liable for damages and injuries, not to mention fines, a record, and even jail time.
When you get in an accident involving drowsy driving, you should get an attorney from the state where the accident occurred. For instance, if you got in an accident in South Carolina, hire a professional car accident lawyer from South Carolina. A local accident lawyer will assess the situation and know how to represent you in court, especially since laws vary across states. For example, DAs and judges have different approaches to punishing traffic violations. Moreover, insurance works differently, so it is best to go with a lawyer that knows people and proceedings inside and out. Also, they can negotiate the outcome of the incident where you may not manage it alone.
How To Manage Drowsiness
Before providing simple solutions to drowsiness, it is best to understand the indications of exhaustion. If you notice the following, it might be a sign that your mind is exhausted:
- Frequent yawning.
- Your head drops when you drive.
- You fight to keep your eyelids open.
- The vehicle gets off the lane without you noticing.
- You miss crucial road safety signs.
- You start to daydream while behind the wheel.
The moment you notice these symptoms, you should work on a routine that helps you reduce exhaustion. You might consider the following recommendations:
- Revise your sleep routine to ensure your sleep enough.
- Do some exercise and shower before driving on a long trip.
- Don’t drive after consuming alcohol or taking medication.
- You could avoid driving late in the afternoon as your body is exhausted.
- Take breaks to rest if you are going on a long trip.
Drowsy driving has caused hundreds of accidents and deaths because people tend to ignore its risks. You can’t trust an exhausted mind to operate machinery or drive a vehicle. It’s best to practice safe driving, take the bus or taxi to your destination when you consume alcohol, and avoid driving while tired as much as you can. If you got involved in any incident concerning drowsy driving, the first thing should be to contact a professional accident lawyer.
As a journalist, Leland D. Bengtson dedicated most of his career to law reporting. His greatest satisfaction is to convey legal matters to the public in a language that they can understand. He is active on various platforms and media outlets, writing about common legal issues that people confront with every day. While medical malpractice is his strong suit, Leland covers plenty of other topics, including personal injury cases, family law, and other civil and even criminal legal matters.