Many people don’t equate drunk driving to drowsy driving, but they can both lead to potentially deadly situations on California roads. According to cars.usnews.com, driving drowsy causes 20% of all car accidents. Getting less than seven hours of sleep each night significantly increases the risk of a collision.
Getting less than five hours of sleep each night is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Drowsy drivers are slower to react, become distracted and can drift to another lane. Studies have shown that those driving on less than four hours of sleep drive just as poorly as someone who drives after drinking six beers.
How to avoid drowsy driving
If you want to avoid drowsy driving, it’s important to get an average of seven to eight hours of sleep each night to ensure that you’re alert and can concentrate on the road. Drinking caffeine can also offer a short energy boost to help you stay alert. If you begin to feel tired, pull over to a rest stop to get a quick nap and recharge before getting back to your drive.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to have someone else with you in the car if you plan to drive for a long distance. Sharing driving responsibilities during a long trip can help you avoid fatigue-related car accidents.
Who can you contact for legal assistance?
If you’re involved in a car accident caused by a drowsy driver, you may want to contact a personal injury attorney who has experience handling similar cases. They can answer your questions and inform you of your rights and help you pursue compensation for your injuries, medical bills and lost wages. A legal professional may also work directly with the other driver’s insurance company to settle outside of court to make it a more efficient process.
