One of the most dangerous risks drivers and other passengers are exposed to each day throughout Florida and our nation is a driver who finds himself drowsy and dosing behind the wheel of a vehicle. This type of accident usually leads to tragic results.
Factors that Play a Role in Driving While Drowsy
The hours of midnight to 6:00 AM are considered the most dangerous hours to be driving simply due to the fact that our bodies are normally accustomed to a sleep mode during these hours.
Drugs and alcohol also add to the dangers of falling asleep behind the wheel. While many people believe that one or two alcoholic drinks should not affect their ability to drive safely, everyone needs to be cognizant that alcohol affects everyone differently. Making a practice of having someone who has not been drinking, drive you and other passengers home could save hundreds of lives each year. In addition, there are many prescription and over-the-counter drugs that cause drowsiness in some individuals, making it just as dangerous for them to drive as a person consuming too much alcohol.
Holiday travelers are the most likely to encounter other drivers who are sleep deprived because drivers commute longer hours to reach their holiday destinations.
Injuries from Sleep Deprived Drivers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) there are 70,000 injuries and more than 1,500 deaths each year caused by drowsy drivers.
If you find yourself becoming drowsy while driving, do not risk endangering your life, or the lives of others; pull over to the side and ask someone else to drive for you, or if driving when no one is available to assist you, find an area safely off the roadway to pull over and rest.
Contact a Florida Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a driver who was too drowsy, contact a personal injury attorney at Bryan Caulfield Law Firm in Clearwater, Florida.