It is dangerous to drive while you are sleepy. In fact, even if you have only lost one or two hours of sleep, you are still more likely to get into a car accident. A study done by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety showed exactly how dangerous it is to drive if you are tired.
Sleep experts recommend that people get between seven and nine hours of sleep every night. Eighteen percent of adults get fewer than seven hours of sleep per night. Two percent of adults get fewer than four hours of sleep per night. Many adults are sleep deprived, and this can lead to an accident.
Accident Statistics
- People who get fewer than seven hours of sleep are 1.3 times more likely to be involved in an accident
- People who got five or six hours of sleep per night are 1.9 times more likely to be involved in an accident.
- People who got four or five hours of sleep per night are 4.3 times more likely to be involved in an accident.
- People who got less than four hours of sleep per night are 11.5 times more likely to be involved in an accident.
The results did not take into account the other factors that lead to an accident. This includes things like drug use and alcohol use. However, research clearly proves that it is dangerous to drive while you are sleepy.
Why it is Dangerous to Drive While Tired?
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration showed that drivers who are tired are twice as likely to get involved in an accident. Drivers who do not get enough sleep not only put themselves endanger, but they also put others on the road in danger. Driving with little sleep impairs your alertness and slows down your reaction time. It can also impair judgment and take your attention off of the road.
Signs of Drowsy Driving
Your safety should be your top priority when you are hitting the road. Some of the people who drive may be drowsy. Erratic driving, which may include repeatedly slowing down and speeding up, is one of the signs of drowsy driving. Overcorrecting errors, drifting in and out of lanes and losing control of the vehicle are other signs of drowsy driving.
Car Accidents Caused By Drowsy Drivers
Drowsy driving accidents can occur on highways and rural roads. They can also occur at any time of the day. However, they are most likely to occur between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 p.m. Many drowsy drivers leave the road without even braking.
Call an Experienced Attorney
If you or one of your loved ones have been hurt in an accident caused by a drowsy driver, then you will need to contact an attorney. A lawyer will protect your rights and help you get compensated.
