Throughout the entire U.S., drowsy driving accidents continue to take place due to the negligence of others. When a driver is sleepy and hits the road without a second thought, one of these accidents can take place in the blink of an eye, leading to severe damages. On top of that, many drivers are prone to sleep disorders or take medications that can make them feel tired on the roadways. Because of these aspects, drowsy driving accidents are common in Florida and beyond. How can drivers work to prevent these accidents from taking place?

The Prevalence of Drowsy Driving in the U.S.  

Over the years, more and more studies have been conducted on drowsy driving in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that approximately 1 in 25 drivers have reported falling asleep at the wheel in a 30-day time period. Many individuals who have just gotten off of work or are going on a large road trip will feel drowsy at one time or another. Many of these individuals do not know that they are risking the lives of others who share our roads.

There are many ways that police and others can tell that drowsy driving was a factor in an accident. For instance, if a car accident happened late at night or in the mid-afternoon, an accident was more likely to involve drowsy driving. On top of that, a lack of skid marks can also show that a driver was driving drowsy due to the fact that they did not attempt to slam on their brakes when they lost control of their vehicle. These accidents can be incredibly dangerous and happen at high speeds, which means that the presence of catastrophic injuries is more likely.

Preventing Drowsy Driving on Florida Roads 

There are many ways that you and others can work to prevent drowsy driving on Florida roads and beyond. Here are some of the tips that drivers should always remember:

Sleep-Deprived Drivers: If a driver is sleep-deprived and has had issues with this in the past, they are more likely to become involved in an accident. The National Sleep Foundation has said that those who plan to drive should have 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night before they drive. 

New Drivers: Drowsy driving accidents are most common among young and new drivers, which is why they must always take special precautions and get enough sleep. 

Workers: Those who work long hours or spend the most time on the road such as late night shift workers and delivery truck drivers are some of the most likely to be involved in an accident where drowsy driving is to blame, which is why they must always get sleep.

Those with Sleep Disorders: People with sleep disorders are likely to cause drowsy driving accidents as well. This is why drivers who believe that they have a sleep disorder should always speak with a doctor who can ensure that they are not suffering from these issues. 

Medicated Drivers: When an individual is taking over-the-counter drugs, an accident could occur if they cause sleepiness. This is why those who are taking medications should be aware of the side effects.

How an Attorney Can Help After a Car Accident

At Sheftall & Associates, our Florida car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping you achieve compensation for your personal injury claim after an accident that is not your fault. Drowsy driving leads to many unfortunate accidents and injuries each year and can put you in a challenging position as you attempt to move forward. With legal help on your side, you may be able to achieve the results you deserve. Please contact a Florida accident attorney at (904) 575-9026 to find out how we can assist you.