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DRIVING WHILE DROWSY

According to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation, 60% of the drivers on U.S. roads in the past year have driven while feeling sleepy and a staggering 37% indicate that they have actually fallen asleep while driving.
In light of this, it is not surprising that fatigue has been identified as a leading cause of traffic accidents. Even when falling asleep at the wheel is not the direct cause, fatigue can lead to a loss of attention, a factor that accounts for approximately one million collisions each year.

Although sleepiness can affect everyone while driving, there are certain specific groups that are at significant risk.
Young adults under the age of twenty-five are particularly prone to sleepiness. The National Institutes of Health have identified this group as generally being at risk for problem sleepiness and this is borne out by statistics revealing that young drivers are involved in more than one-half of all asleep at the wheel collisions.

Those who drive in connection with their work, particularly over the road truckers, are at risk for asleep at the wheel accidents. It has been reported that at least 15% of all tractor-trailer collisions are related to fatigue.

Shift workers, those working night shifts and those working more than 60 hours per week have also been shown to be at an increased risk.

Before setting out on a trip, you should consider whether any of the following other risk factors apply to you:

• Getting less than six hours of sleep or less, triples the risk of falling asleep at the wheel;
• Driving long distances without taking proper rest breaks;
• Drinking alcohol, even small amounts;
• Taking prescription medications that have a sedating effect. (Antidepressants, antihistamines and other cold remedies);
• Driving at times when you would normally be asleep;
• Driving alone;
• Driving on long stretches of boring or dark roads.

Unfortunately, sleepiness can come on without warning and many cannot tell if or when they are about to fall asleep. Having said that, the following are indications that a driver should stop and rest:

• Loss of focus and daydreaming;
• Heavy eyelids and frequent blinking;
• Yawning;
• Rubbing your eyes;
• Missing signs or missing exits;
• Trouble recalling the past few miles driven;
• Head bobbing;
• Drifting from lane to lane;
• Hitting a shoulder rumble strip

Often a short power nap will help remedy your drowsiness and will allow you to continue safely. Even though you may lengthen your trip slightly, it is obviously more important to arrive alive!

At the Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we encourage you to drive safely.

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Auto & Vehicle Accidents

• Why are research and statistics that look at gender differences among drivers important? If I am hurt in an Independence, MO car accident, do the research and statistics matter?

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