Did you get into an accident because you were driving while drowsy? Or, were you hit by a sleepy driver that got behind the wheel? If so, our car accident lawyer in Aurora Illinois can help. Contact Carlson Bier Associates today for a consultation at 312-622-2900.
If you’ve ever driven while tired, you know it’s not a pleasant experience. You can feel your eyelids getting heavy, your brain foggy, and your reflexes slow—all of which make driving more dangerous than usual. That’s why it’s so important to take precautions when you’re feeling drowsy behind the wheel: You could end up injuring yourself or others in an accident.
Why is drowsy driving dangerous?
Did you know that drowsy driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents? That’s right, according to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drowsiness was also found to be one of the leading causes of collisions between 2007 and 2011. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also reported that drowsy driving is responsible for at least 100,000 crashes each year.
It’s understandable why this would be such a big issue: when you’re tired, your reaction times are slower and it becomes harder for your brain to process information quickly. This can very easily lead to misjudging how much time it will take for something to happen or fail to respond fast enough when something does happen.
If you have caused a crash or been a victim because of another drowsy driver, our car accident lawyer in Aurora Illinois can help.
Drowsy Driving Accidents
There are all different types of drowsy drivers who could be causing car accidents. If you have caused an accident due to drowsy driving, or if you were part of an accident, contact our car accident lawyer in Aurora Illinois to help you with your claim. There are many more than just those who have been awake for long periods of time or haven’t gotten enough sleep; there are also people with sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea.
The National Sleep Foundation estimates that about 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea – which means they stop breathing at night – and another 15 million have some other sort of condition like snoring or restless legs syndrome that makes it difficult for them to sleep well at night. That means more than one out every five people has an issue with their sleeping habits, which could cause drowsy driving.
Most drowsy driving accidents occur on weekends and at night. At night there tends to be less traffic and it is easier to fall asleep at the wheel. In addition, if you’re traveling long distances (like across the country), make sure to take regular breaks so that your body can stay well-rested during your trip and alert while driving in order to avoid any accidents or injuries.
Stay alert while driving
In order to stay alert while driving, you should get a good night’s sleep before driving. Also, try to avoid driving during the hours when you’re most likely to be drowsy.
It is important to take a break if you feel tired. Pull over at the next rest stop or gas station and take a nap. You can also pass off control of your vehicle—and your keys—to someone else who is not sleepy and who is familiar with the area where you are driving. Be sure that this person has been alert for at least 20 minutes before taking charge of the car!
Do whatever works best for staying safe behind the wheel. Get some necessary rest while traveling long distances and turn off any distractions like entertainment devices or phones until you have reached your destination.
Drowsy driving is a serious problem that is much more prevalent than most people realize. It’s a problem that affects all of us, not just truck drivers and long distance travelers. It’s important to understand how dangerous drowsy driving can be because it can have the same impact on your life as drunk driving. Our car accident lawyer in Aurora Illinois can help if you’ve been involved in an accident with a drowsy driver.
Contact our car accident lawyer in Aurora Illinois for a consultation
Drowsy driving is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences, whether in the form of an accident, injury, or even death. It’s important to be aware of the warning signs and take action when necessary. If you’ve been in a car crash with a drowsy driver, Carlson Bier can help. Our car accident lawyer in Aurora Illinois has the passion and the experience to pursue justice for you.