The Dangers of Drowsy Driving in Seattle
Posted Friday, January 18, 2019 by Chris Thayer
We have all had those nights when we just can not get to sleep. Normally, the biggest consequence of this is feeling tired the next day and maybe more irritable. However, the consequences of inadequate sleep grow when driving a vehicle becomes part of the picture. Driving while drowsy or sleep deprived can prove to be extremely dangerous or even fatal. Drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents all across the country, including in Seattle and the surrounding areas. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that approximately 1 out of 25 adult drivers have reported that they have fallen asleep at the wheel while driving. Adult driver refers to an individual over the age of 25. Drowsy driving might not seem as serious as driving while impaired, but every situation in which a driver is not fully focused on driving should be taken seriously.
*Common Causes of Drowsy Driving*The most common cause of drowsy driving is not getting enough sleep. Adults with small children, truck drivers who are driving late into the night, and those who stay up late or wake up early are just a few categories of people more susceptible to drowsy driving. The phrase “drowsy driving” seems like it only encompasses situations in which the driver has not gotten enough sleep. While this is true, there are other situations that can be considered drowsy driving.
- Long Drives: Even a person who has gotten adequate amounts of sleep can become tired and drowsy while on a long drive. Driving long distance, especially driving long distance on a straight road for long periods of time, can cause a driver to become drowsy.
- Medication: Some medicines, both prescription or over the counter, can cause the taker to become drowsy. It is important to know the side effects of medication before you take it and also to see how you are affected after taking a new medicine for the first time.
*Consequences of Drowsy Driving*Drowsy driving is a leading cause of car accidents. The National Sleep Foundation even equates drowsy driving to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08, the legal limit. A car accident caused by drowsy driving can leave you with serious injuries, or even prove to be fatal. In addition to causing the accident, drowsy driving can result in unsafe driving accidents that also increase the chances of getting into an accident — speeding, slower reaction times, disobeying traffic signs or signals, etc.
If you or someone you love has been injured because of a drowsy driver, the personal injury attorneys at Pivotal Law Group are here to help you. We know that recovering from an accident can be extremely difficult and a financial burden. Our attorney can potentially represent you in a personal injury suit to recover compensation for your damages, depending on the circumstances. Contact us today for a consultation.
(image courtesy of Kyle Jewell)