Man yawning in car

Drowsy Driving is Dangerous Driving

Thousands of people each year are killed or seriously injured due to drowsy drivers. Unfortunately, the unyielding demands of society have played a key role in accepting this dangerous driving behavior. In a world that does not allow for much pause, we are busier than ever. Being tired and making the long commute to work or school or various activities seems to not only be acceptable but seems to be the norm. As a result, we risk and lose thousands of lives each year at the hands of drowsy drivers. Clearly, something needs to be done, but what?

Drowsy Driving is Dangerous Driving

People are not getting the sleep they need. Whether it is the demands of work, kids, or just life in general, we are sacrificing our sleep as a result. Unfortunately, lack of proper sleep can have serious and lasting health consequences. Furthermore, it risks lives when a person engages in drowsy driving. What will really be most effective at combatting the drowsy driving problem that plagues the U.S. is for us to rethink our attitudes about drowsy driving. We need to not consider it as a necessary evil, but as a problem that needs to be addressed.

To avoid driving while drowsy, make sleep a priority. Your body will thank you. Other drivers will thank you. Experts recommend getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night. So, turn off your show a bit earlier, save your reading for another day, and get to bed in time to get the full amount of sleep your body needs and craves. If you have teens in your household, persist in making sure they are getting enough sleep as well. Did you know that the biology of teenagers demands more sleep? It’s true. Teenagers need more sleep and this places them at an increased risk of drowsy driving. Talk to your teens about avoiding driving unless they are well-rested.

Also, be aware of how other things you put into your body can exacerbate your drowsiness. Alcohol, for instance, can interact with sleepiness to increase drowsiness and impairment of your ability to safely operate a vehicle. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can also cause drowsiness. Be sure to check the medication’s label to see if this is a potential side effect. If so, avoid driving after you take the medication. It can also be important to be aware of the body’s circadian rhythm. Did you know that there is a natural dip in the body’s circadian rhythm, the internal clock tasked with sleep regulation, between midnight and 6 a.m. as well as in the late afternoon? If you can avoid driving at these times, you may also be able to decrease your chances of drowsy driving.

Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorneys

The safety and well-being of ourselves and others needs to be a priority. We are all in this together. If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be fully and fairly compensated. The dedicated personal injury team at Cooper, Schall & Levy is here to see to that. Contact us today.