Drowsy Driving or Fatigued Driving Is Dangerous Driving

Fatigued driving has been in the news lately because of an accident involving comedian, Tracy Morgan, and a Walmart Truck driver. According to news reports, the driver is alleged to have been awake for more than 24 hours. The driver failed to see the traffic in front of him slow down and crashed into the the car in front o f him, triggering a pile up.

The scary fact is that life and poor choices have led you or someone you know to drive while fatigued or sleepy. As evidenced by the accident above, the consequences can be fatal.

According to the Maryland Highway Safety Plan for 2012, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Analysis found that drivers age 16-24 are more likely to be involved in driving drowsy accidents than any other age group.

Fatigued or drowsy driving occurs during late-night hours.

Drowsy driving is likely to occur as a result of:

• Sleep loss.

• Driving between midnight and 6 a.m. – Natural sleep pattern dictates that most of us are likely to be asleep during these hours so one is likely to fatigued or drowsy during these hours than any other time.

• driving for longer times without taking a break.

• Use of sedatives

• Alcohol consumption – in addition to the obvious impairment that may occur with alcohol, it exacerbates the effects of lack of sleep or fatigue.

Drowsy Driving Impact

According to the National Highway Safety Transpiration Administration (NHTSA), there are:

• 1,550 deaths

• 71,000 injuries as a result of drowsy driving

• Over 100.000 accidents are attributed to drowsy driving

The issue is serious enough that Maryland has a Drowsy Driving Prevention Driving week in an effort to education the public of the causes and dangers.

How to Avoid Drowsy or Fatigued Driving

1. When a driver becomes drowsy, the most obvious behavioral step for avoiding a crash is to stop driving and sleep for an extended period.

2. Napping – Taking a break for a short nap (about 15 to 20 minutes)

3. Caffeine –Caffeine can improves alertness in sleepy people

4. Avoid traveling at times when you would normally be asleep

5. Take regular breaks at intervals of 2 hours or every 100 miles

6. Drive with a passenger to keep you company and watch out for when you begin to show signs of fatigue

The potential outcomes of fatigued or drowsy driving should be enough to encourage anyone not to do it. Not only are you putting your life at risk but also of those around you. Exercise caution when you are just going down the road or going out-of-state.

Are you a victim of a fatigued driving accident?

Have you been injured in an accident that you suspect was caused by the other party’s fatigue or drowsy driving? I can help you as I have other victims of automobile accidents in Maryland.

Call 1-410-849-9529right now to discuss your case with an experience Baltimore accident lawyer. I guarantee personal service and I offer a free consultation. Remember, you don’t owe a fee unless I recover money in your case. Do not miss the deadline to file your claim. Call Now!