In today’s 24/7 society, sometimes a good night’s sleep is hard to come by. While we should get seven to eight hours of sleep every day, staying up with a sick child or pulling an all-nighter at work or school can cut the amount of sleep we get short. Nevertheless, we must go about our routines the next day as tired as we are, and for some in Hackensack this means driving to work. However, drowsy driving is a risky decision to make because it could easily lead to a car accident.
The statistics on drowsy driving
While calculating the exact number of drowsy driving accidents that take place every year is not yet possible, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that in 2017, drowsiness played a role in 91,000 crashes reported to police. Approximately 50,000 individuals suffered injuries in these drowsy driving accidents, and almost 800 people lost their lives that year in drowsy driving accidents. However, experts agree that these numbers underestimate the true scope of the drowsy driving problem in our nation.
Stay alert, don’t get hurt
While the best way to avoid drowsy driving is to get adequate rest, this is not always possible. The following are some tips on how to avoid drowsy driving if you are feeling fatigued. If possible, delay getting behind the wheel of a car until you are well-rested or use alternative forms of transportation. Avoid drunk driving as alcohol impairment can increase drowsiness. Double check the labels of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you take to see if there is a warning listing drowsiness as a side effect of taking the drug. Finally, try not to drive when our natural circadian rhythm is at a lull, typically between the hours of midnight to 6:00 a.m. ad again in the late afternoon. Note that simply having a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage will not combat true drowsiness and could lull you into a false sense of security.
Learn more about car accidents in New Jersey
Drowsy driving accidents are especially tragic, because they could have been prevented if the drowsy driver had simply gotten enough sleep. Drowsy driving can be a risky decision that could cost another person their life. It is important to stay alert so that you do not cause a car crash that injures or kills another person. Those who were involved in a car accident caused by a drowsy driver may find our firm’s website to be a useful source of information.