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The dangers of drowsy driving

On Behalf of | Apr 14, 2023 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Distracted driving gets a lot of attention, as it should, as it is a serious problem in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. But many people overlook the fact that drowsy driving is a factor in many motor vehicle accidents, as well.

Many drivers on the road are sleep deprived and exhausted. Whether it’s from waking up early for work, a long day or too little sleep the night before, the truth is that most of us are probably drowsy drivers more often than we think.

Drowsy driving is negligent driving

Drowsy driving becomes especially dangerous when drivers start to fall asleep at the wheel, which can cause a car to veer out of control and cause a crash. But even if you do not fall asleep, your drowsy driving can cause you to drive negligently.

Driving while tired makes you less likely to pay attention to the road. Your reaction time also slows, increasing the chance of an accident if you must brake or steer suddenly.

Additionally, distracted driving affects your overall ability to make good decisions when driving. Many accidents could be prevented if drivers were simply not as tired.

Avoid becoming a drowsy driver

You can reduce your chance of being a drowsy driver by prioritizing sleep over other activities and avoiding medications that cause drowsiness before you drive.

Taking a lot of breaks during long trips can prevent you from becoming sleepy or falling asleep at the wheel, since the breaks will provide you with some short-term energy. If you are in a situation where you know you are at risk of drowsy driving, try to find someone to drive with you to share driving responsibilities or help you stay awake.

An accident caused by another drowsy driver could leave you with massive injuries, a damaged car and emotional trauma. A personal injury claim based on negligence could bring you much-needed compensation.

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