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Indiana Accident Attorneys Focus on Drowsy Driving Crashes

Although drunk driving is a very serious problem in the U.S., another deadly habit is even more prevalent: drowsy driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatigued drivers are twice as likely to make driver performance errors as drivers who are well-rested.

What is Drowsy Driving?

Drowsy driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle while compromised by inadequate sleep. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drivers who sleep fewer than six hours each night are less attentive, have slower reaction times and make bad decisions that might lead to a crash.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, fatigued motorists are primarily:

• Young people, especially men under the age of 25.
• Business travelers who drive many hours each day or suffer from jet lag.
• Those with undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders, who are seven times more likely to nod off behind the wheel.

Others who are more at risk for a collision connected to drowsy driving include commercial drivers, including tow truck drivers, bus drivers, truck drivers, shift workers, and those who drive while under the influence of sleep-inducing drugs.

Preventing Drowsy Driving

One of the best ways to avoid driving while fatigued is to plan ahead:

• Get a good night’s sleep –7-9 hours per night for adults an 8 ½ – 9 ½ for teenagers.
• Schedule regular stops every two hours (or 100 road miles).
• Switching drivers, if someone more alert is traveling with you.

If you’re getting sleepy, consider pulling over to take a short nap. Those few minutes could be the only thing standing between you and a motor vehicle accident.

Contact an Experienced South Bend, IN Personal Injury Law Firm

Were you severely injured in an accident involving a drowsy driver? Contact a South Bend, IN accident attorney at Kelly Law Offices, LLC online or call 1-800-859-8800 to set up your free initial case evaluation and discuss your potential for recovery today.