Driving demands skill, attentiveness, and being well-rested and alert. Whenever you take the wheel, you are responsible for your own safety as well as that of your passengers and everyone else on the road.
According to the most recent figures for New York State, drowsiness was a factor in 2,337 injury-causing and fatal crashes in 2017 and 2,273 accidents in 2018. These collisions were caused by drivers falling asleep or simply driving while tired.
Recognizing the signs that you’re too tired to drive and taking precautions can help prevent a tragic accident on the road. And if you’re hurt by a drowsy driver in Central New York or the Southern Tier, contact a Syracuse car accident lawyer from Catalano Law to learn your legal options.
The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
Driving while tired is more dangerous than you may realize. In fact, operating a vehicle when you’re low on sleep has a similar effect as driving while intoxicated. Research shows that being awake for 20 hours equates to driving with a blood alcohol level of .08%, New York’s legal limit.
If you ignore the signs that you’re too tired to get behind the wheel, it can result in the following impairments and consequences:
- Increased Reaction Time: Fatigue slows down reaction time, impairing the ability to react quickly to hazards or unexpected events on the road.
- Impaired Decision-Making: When tired, judgment becomes impaired, leading to poor decision-making behind the wheel.
- Increased Risk of Accidents: Drowsy driving increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries, as drivers may drift out of their lanes, fail to notice traffic signals, or rear-end other vehicles.
- Microsleep Episodes: Fatigue can lead to brief episodes of microsleep, where the brain shuts down momentarily, resulting in loss of control of the vehicle.
- Fatal Accidents: Drowsy driving, for example, after a daylight savings time change, can have fatal outcomes, not only for the fatigued driver but also for passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles.
5 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Recognizing the warning signs of fatigue while driving is essential to your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road. Here are the most common signs that indicate you’re too tired to drive:
- Heavy Eyelids and Nodding Head: Feeling your eyelids droop or nodding off while driving clearly indicates fatigue.
- Frequent Yawning: Yawning is a complex biological response when you’re tired or bored, which tries to keep you alert.
- Drifting Between Lanes: Difficulty maintaining a steady lane position or drifting between lanes is a common sign of fatigue.
- Difficulty Concentrating or Memory Lapses: Fatigue can impair cognitive function, leading to lapses in focus or memory (forgetting the last few miles driven).
- Hitting a Rumble Strip: Rumble strips are designed to alert drivers when they veer off the road by causing a loud noise and vibration throughout the vehicle.
What to Do if You’re Too Tired
If you experience any warning signs while driving, take immediate action to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Here’s what to do:
- Pull Over: Find a safe place to pull over, such as a rest area, gas station, or parking lot. Alternatively, pull as far over on the shoulder as possible and take a break.
- Rest: Take a short nap if possible, aiming for at least 15 to 20 minutes of sleep to help refresh your mind and body.
- Stretch and Move: Get out of the car and stretch your legs. Walk around to get your blood flowing and wake up your body, performing 10 to 15 minutes of light activity.
- Hydrate and Eat: Drink water and have a light snack to raise energy levels. Choose protein-rich foods like nuts, cheese, or jerky to boost alertness.
- Plan Your Route: If you’re on a long journey, plan regular rest stops to prevent fatigue from setting in. Use your phone’s GPS app to locate safe areas and designate stop times.
Hit By a Drowsy Driver? Get Legal Help With Catalano Law
Recognizing the signs of fatigue while driving is crucial for preventing accidents and saving lives. However, if another driver negligently falls asleep at the wheel and causes a crash, you may be left with medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our legal team at Catalano Law has protected car accident victims’ rights for over two decades. We have the skills and experience to investigate the accident, prove fault, and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.