According to the National Sleep Foundation, driving after remaining awake for 18 hours is similar to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08. Much like inebriated motorists, drowsy drivers have a slower reaction time and difficulty focusing on the road ahead.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that fatigued driving may be responsible for up to 6,000 fatal collisions every year. Drowsy drivers are also responsible for tens of thousands of injuries annually.
If you were hurt in a crash with a drowsy motorist, you may be entitled to compensation for healthcare bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages. A Lafayette accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Law Firm will help you fight for the maximum payout. Call 800-522-6733 today to schedule a free consultation.
Read on to learn four tips to help you avoid drowsy driving:
- Schedule Regular Breaks on Long Road Trips
If you must take a long road trip, schedule a pit stop every two hours or so to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and grab some food. Regular stops will invigorate you and make it easier to stay awake once you are back in the driver’s seat.
- Drink Caffeinated Beverages
If you are drowsy but you have no choice but to drive, drink a caffeinated beverage 30 minutes before hitting the road. This will help stay alert temporarily.
- Pull over and Rest
If you feel your eyelids getting heavy, do not rely on the radio to keep you awake. Pull over and take quick nap.
- Plan Ahead
Do not plan a long drive after a full day of work or a night out. Even if you are certain you can power through it, you are putting yourself and other people at risk if you drive while fatigued.
Drowsy driving affects your vision, reaction time, and focus, and doing it often is a recipe for disaster. In fact, drowsy driving is so dangerous that there are federal laws regulating daily and weekly driving limits for truckers.
For a free legal consultation, call (337) 777-7777
Unfortunately, there are no such limits for non-commercial motorists, and there are no tests to prove that a driver fell asleep at the wheel. This is why you should always document the scene of an accident as thoroughly as possible. If you are able to prove that the crash occurred because the other motorist fell asleep or was negligent, you will have a much stronger case.
A Lafayette personal injury attorney from Laborde Earles Law Firm can help you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim. We will interview witnesses, examine the police report, and help you fight for the maximum settlement. If your case goes to trial, our lawyers have the litigation experience to represent your interests in court.
Call 800-522-733 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Lafayette.
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