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It’s a common occurrence, you are tired but you have to keep driving to make it in time or if you are driving on a long trip, the consistent motion, the sound of the wheels turning, and a lack of sleep will make you feel drowsy. When you feel drowsy, your reaction can be delayed.
Regardless of how tired you are, if you are on the road driving, you are assuming responsibility for all your actions. In some cases, accidents do occur. And it is because someone was drowsy.
What is Drowsy Driving?
Drowsy driving, also known as driving while fatigued, can result when someone that is feeling tired decides. To get behind the wheel and drive. There are a number of reasons why people drive drowsy, the most common include:
• Didn’t get enough sleep the night before
• They may suffer from an ongoing sleep disorder
• They are taking medication that may cause them to feel drowsy
Drowsy driving can lead to the driver falling asleep at the wheel. Another issue is that they do not pay attention to the road, other drivers, or pedestrians. If a vehicle is steering into their lane or they need to apply their brakes quickly, they may have a slower than normal reaction time which makes them high risk.
Risk Factors of Drowsy Driving
Who is at risk for driving drowsy? There’’s not a certain type of driver or circumstance that makes someone more at risk. The main cause of drowsy driving is that the driver didn’t get enough sleep, has consumed alcohol or drugs, or is taking some type of medication that acts as a sedation.
The risk of driving drowsy becomes higher between the hours of midnight and 6 o’clock in the morning, in the early afternoon or if the driver has been on the road for a long time.
Characteristics of Drowsy Driving Accidents
A drowsy driving accident normally involves:
• A driver who is alone
• A single vehicle that leaves the road way
• The driver doesn’t react in time
• The driver crossed over the double yellow line and drifted directly into traffic.
Drowsy driving can be avoided by getting plenty of sleep, not getting behind the wheel when taking medications that could cause drowsiness, and by taking frequent breaks when driving long periods of time. If an accident occurs due to drowsy driving, the insurance company may decline or deny compensation.
Thus, it becomes important to consult with a personal injury lawyer in Sudbury to know about your rights as a plaintiff, if you were in an accident with a drowsy driver of another vehicle. They will be able to walk you through the steps to file a claim for damages.