We all lead busy lives in today’s world, and it’s not uncommon to be tired behind the wheel, but when tiredness escalates into drowsy driving, it poses a significant threat to others on the roadway as well as to the driver. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving contributed to at least 693 deaths in 2022. An estimated 328,000 accidents occur annually due to fatigued driving and experts believe this number is widely underreported since it isn’t always possible to know if a driver was drowsy when an accident occurred.
What Are the Signs of Driving Fatigue?
It’s easy to identify tiredness, but how do you know when to draw the line between tired, and too drowsy to drive? If you become drowsy behind the wheel, you are more than simply tired, you are on the verge of falling asleep behind the wheel. Signs of dangerous drowsiness include the following:
- Feeling that your eyelids are heavy or it’s difficult to keep your eyes open
- Wandering thoughts that become dream-like
- Nodding off (sudden dropping down of the head toward the chin)
- Frequent yawning and eye-rubbing
- Drifting out of your lane
- Being unable to remember driving the last few miles
- Difficulty focusing or blurred vision
- Frequent blinking
- Missing traffic signs
If you notice any of the above signs of drowsiness while behind the wheel, it’s critical to remove yourself from the situation by finding a safe place to rest, drinking coffee or a caffeinated beverage, or taking a break and walking around to increase oxygen flow to the brain.
Recognizing and Avoiding Other Drowsy Drivers on the Road
Not only is it important to recognize and promptly address the signs of your own drowsy driving, but it’s also important to recognize the signs of a fatigued driver on the roadway. Signs of a drowsy driver resemble drunk driving In fact, drowsiness has an effect on drivers that’s similar to intoxication, including slowed reaction times and impaired judgment. Signs that a driver might be drowsy include the following:
- Drifting out of their lane and then swerving back into the lane
- Hugging the center line or the white line on the edge of the road
- Driving off the road and then swerving back
- Tailgating
- Frequent braking
- Driving slowly and then suddenly accelerating
If you are sharing the road with a drowsy driver, it’s important to put distance between your car and the other driver’s vehicle.
What Common Injuries Can Occur?
Drowsy driving accidents cause serious injuries, especially when the drowsy driver is a commercial truck driver in a large, heavy vehicle. Common injuries caused by drowsy drivers include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Lacerations, bruises, and abrasions
- Soft tissue injuries like sprains and torn ligaments
Driving while overly fatigued is negligence. If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident caused by a drowsy driver, the other driver is liable for your damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Even in no-fault insurance states like New Jersey, you could recover Cherry Hill injury compensation from the drowsy driver’s insurance or a lawsuit, depending on the terms of your policy.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help?
No one should have to take on the challenge of a car accident claim or lawsuit while they are also dealing with serious injuries, medical procedures, and lengthy recovery times. Call the experienced car accident lawyers in Cherry Hill today for a free consultation so we can evaluate your case and begin prompt action to recover your compensation.