Georgia drivers: Avoid drowsy driving
In 2013, 800 people lost their lives and another 44,000 suffered injuries due to an accident involving drowsy driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports. Our team at Butler Prather LLP does not want you to become a statistic. There are several measures you can take to ensure that your sleepiness will not cause a tragedy on the road.
Certain people may be more susceptible to drowsy driving. The National Sleep Foundation reports that people who get six or fewer hours of sleep at night are at an increased risk of growing tired behind the wheel. Additionally, people who work more than 60 hours a week, people who drive long distances without rest and people who drive at a time at which they would normally be asleep may also fall victim.
The NSF stresses that getting enough sleep at night is key to staying alert during the day, especially while driving. Teenage drivers should sleep for 8.5 to 9.5 hours every night, and adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep. Drivers should also heed the following advice:
- Every two hours or so of a long trip, you should schedule a stop.
- If you snore or have trouble sleeping, you should consult with a medical professional.
- You should have someone else in the car for a long trip, especially someone who can take the wheel when you start feeling tired.
If you need to take medications, check the label to see if they may make you sleepy. In the event that they do, you should talk with a physician about how to take the medicine safely when you have a drive ahead of you. You may be able to delay taking it so you remain safe on the road.
Following a car accident in Georgia, victims and their families are able to seek compensation from a negligent party, such as a drowsy driver. For more information on this topic, please visit our page regarding motor vehicle crashes.