Prospect Heights, IL Personal Injury Law Firm Stands Up for Injured Plaintiffs
Illinois Accident Attorneys Represent Those Injured in Accidents with Drowsy Drivers
Current data suggests that despite media attention and public awareness, drivers continue to drive while drowsy. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), each year approximately 100,000 police-reported accidents involving fatigued driving occur.
Although sleepiness can happen any time of the day or night, the NHTSA says that drowsy driving accidents most often occur between midnight and 6 a.m. or late in the afternoon – both times when there are drops in the circadian rhythm, the clock I the human body that controls sleep. Drowsy driving accidents frequently involve a single driver who runs off the road at a high rate of speed with no braking. Not surprisingly, alcohol magnifies the effects of drowsiness, as can prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Tips to Avoid Driving Drowsy
Although getting enough sleep on a daily basis is the best way to protect yourself against the risks of drowsy driving, here are some other precautions you can take:
- Get a good night’s sleep before starting a long trip.
- Don’t drink alcohol before driving.
- Check your prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs to see if drowsiness is a side effect.
- Avoid driving during the peak sleepiness periods – between midnight and 6 a.m., and late in the afternoon.
- Look for signs of drowsiness, such as crossing into other lanes or hitting a rumble strip.
Contact an Experienced Prospect Heights, IL Personal Injury Attorney
If you were involved in an accident involving a fatigued driver and suffered injuries as a result, contact Kelly Law Offices, LLC online or call 1-800-859-8800 to schedule your free initial consultation with a competent Illinois personal injury attorney today.
