Who Is at Risk for Drowsy Driving?

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Fatigued Driver

There are a number of causes for drowsy driving, making the problem a widespread danger all across the nation. Everything from driver fatigue and drug or alcohol intoxication are common factors that lead to drowsy driving, which all too often results in car accidents, injury, and even death. The problem is so prevalent that the National Sleep Foundation has named the first week of November each year “Drowsy Driving Prevention Week” with goals to raise awareness and hopefully reduce the number of sleep-related collisions around the country.

Who Are the Drowsy Drivers on Our Roadways?

No one is immune from the danger of driving while tired; all it takes to cause a collision due to sleepiness is the simple decision to get behind the wheel when tired and fatigued. While everyone is capable of causing a sleep-related accident, there are certain drivers more at risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The following drivers have a greater chance of driving while drowsy:

• Those with certain driving patterns, such as driving during specific times of day or for prolonged periods of time without taking a break. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that drowsy driving is common during the hours between midnight and 6 a.m., as well as during the midafternoon hours;
• Those who use sedating medications, including certain antihistamines, prescribed anxiolytic hypnotics, or tricyclic antidepressants;
• Those with untreated sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy;
• Those who are late-night (graveyard) shift workers;
• Those who consume alcohol and then drive, as drinking alcohol adds to and interacts with an already present drowsy state;
• Those who are sleep deprived. Basic loss of sleep - even two hours less of sleep a night - can severely hinder your ability to remain focused and alert behind the wheel; and
• Commercial drivers, such as tow truck, bus, or tractor-trailer operators.

According to the NHTSA, young people between the ages of 16 and 29 are among one of the most at-risk populations for driving while drowsy. There are a number of ongoing educational campaigns that are aimed at educating these high-risk populations about the dangers of driving while tired, with special focus on preventing lifestyle-related risks.

If you have experienced a collision due to a drowsy-driving related accident, you can protect your rights by speaking with a knowledgeable Lake County car accident attorney today. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP at 847-662-3303 for a special consultation.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/features/dsdrowsydriving/

https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/drowsy_driving1/Drowsy.html