Most people know it’s not a good idea to drive when sleep-deprived. But, according to a new survey, a lot of drivers do it anyway, causing serious and fatal car accidents in Detroit, Pontiac, and other major cities across Michigan.
About 60 percent of drivers – that’s 37 million Americans – drive drowsy at least once a year, according to a recent National Sleep Foundation (NSF) poll. Nationwide, drowsy drivers cause about 6 percent of crashes but more than 20 percent of fatal car accidents, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Signs of drowsy driving
Unfortunately, accidents involving drowsy drivers are common in Michigan and across the U.S. Nationwide, there are about 380,000 drowsy driving accidents every year.
In an ideal world, we all would all get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel of a car, but that’s not always possible. Therefore, to avoid a car accident, knowing the signs of drowsy driving is a good idea. If you recognize them in another driver, you might prevent a crash by encouraging them to stop driving. Signs someone is too tired to drive include:
- Frequent yawning.
- Missing turns.
- Hitting the rumble strip.
- Excessive blinking or inability to keep eyes open.
- Can’t remember driving the last several miles.
- Tailgating.
- Nodding off.
- Drifting and swerving into another lane
Driving while drowsy, sleepy, or exhausted is reckless. Bashore Green lawyers work hard to hold negligent drowsy drivers accountable. We negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation for victims’ injuries.
Avoid drowsy driving
Drowsy driving is a choice, which means preventing this type of crash is possible. Here are four tips on how to avoid drowsy driving:
- Get the recommended amount of nightly sleep. If a driver starts their day tired from lack of sleep, they are at greater risk of causing a drowsy driving crash. The NSF study noted that getting the recommended amount of sleep – 7-9 hours per night – is easier for some people than for others.
- Know the signs of drowsy driving. If you see signs of drowsy driving in another motorist, encourage them to pull over or go to a nearby place where they can stop and rest.
- Have a passenger. Talking to a tired driver helps them stay engaged and awake.
- Make regular stops to rest. Stop every 100 miles or so to rest and assess whether the driver can continue to drive safely.
Schedule a free consultation with Bashore Green Law Group
Were you injured, or was a loved one killed in a collision with a drowsy or asleep-at-the-wheel driver? The Michigan car accident attorneys at Bashore Green Law Group are prepared to help you pursue justice.
We are dedicated to your case results. We will relentlessly hammer away at the insurance company for coverage of past and future medical expenses, wage loss, pain and suffering, and other accident-related costs.