You will likely get tired after working for long hours or engaging in various recreational activities like basketball or swimming. If you are already feeling weak and drowsy, you should refrain from driving a vehicle because doing so may endanger your life.
Driver fatigue is considered as one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. According to statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 100,000 traffic accidents happen in the country every year due to drowsy drivers. In addition, statistics also show that the risks of an accident caused by it significantly increases from 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. This means that people who choose to travel during their rest time will likely perform actions which can endanger the lives of their passengers and other road users.
The following tips were given by the Motor Accidents Authority (MMA) in the hope of preventing driver-fatigue related car accidents:
- Pull over your vehicle, if needed. If you feel that you are no longer fit to drive, it is advisable that you pull over your vehicle so that you can rest even for a few minutes. However, do not suddenly veer off the roadway because doing so can lead to an accident.
- Ask another person to drive the car. You can ask one of your passengers to drive the vehicle if you are already tired or sleepy. However, you should first make sure that this person is fit to do so. If you allowed a drunken, exhausted, or unlicensed driver to operate the car, there is a high chance that all the people inside the vehicle will be involved in an accident.
- Sleep for at least seven hours before going on a long trip. If you are going to visit a friend or family member who leaves far from your house, you should make sure that you are well rested before you sit behind the wheel. Not having enough sleep can cause you to become drowsy while driving, thus increasing the risks of an accident.
- Call Uber, a cab or bus. If you are already exhausted, you should refrain from driving because your condition can prevent you from seeing and avoiding road hazards other dangers that you might encounter on the road. Fortunately, you can still travel even without driving by riding a cab, bus, or other public transportation vehicles.
Should you or a love one become injured while a passenger in someone’s car call the auto accident lawyers at William Rawlings & Associates. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and it’s a FREE call.
