If you’re a Pennsylvania driver, you should know about the importance of safe driving. There are many different factors that can lead to an auto collision, and drowsy driving is one of the biggest causes of car accidents in our country. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, which is why our law firm recommends only driving when fully alert and sober. You may be wondering how you can avoid and prevent drowsy driving collisions. Our knowledgeable law firm has all the answers you’ll need! Continue reading this blog to learn more, or reach out to a York County, PA Car Accident Attorney for individualized legal counseling.
HOW COMMON ARE CAR ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY DROWSY DRIVING?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are around 100,000 drowsy-driving-related car accidents in the United States every year. However, the statistic is likely even higher because it can be difficult to tell when a driver was drowsy at the time of the accident. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that over 300,000 car collisions are caused by drowsy driving every year. From these crashes, drowsy driving also led to approximately 109,000 injuries and 6,400 fatalities. Researchers of this study believe that the number of fatalities from drowsy driving accidents is actually 350% greater than the number they’ve reported.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DROWSY DRIVING?
You should pull over if you begin exhibiting the following behaviors while driving on a roadway:
- Drifting or swerving into other lanes
- Inability to keep your eyes open
- Having trouble keeping your head up
- Frequent yawning
- Difficulty maintaining your speed
- Missing road signs, turns, or exits
- Inability to remember the last few miles
HOW CAN I AVOID CAR ACCIDENTS IN PENNSYLVANIA?
The best way to prevent and avoid car collisions is by always practicing safe driving habits and staying aware of your surroundings. Never drive when you’re feeling drowsy, and you should stop driving if you begin feeling fatigued. If you notice another vehicle driving unsafely, try to stay away from them by keeping a safe driving distance.
It’s also important to note that some medications can cause side effects such as drowsiness or sleepiness. If you take medication, make sure to check the listed side effects or talk to your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe to drive while on it. Even legally prescribed drugs can sometimes cause drivers to be impaired.
Have you recently been injured in a car accident caused by a fatigued driver? Are you looking for a dedicated personal injury lawyer who can protect your best interests? Look no further because our highly experienced legal team is on your side! Contact Ilkhanoff & Silverstein today for an initial consultation.
