Are You Fighting To Keep Your Eyes Open?

A child will tell you "I'm not tired..." a few seconds before falling into a 10-hour-long sleep. Why would adult drivers keep on driving when they know, but will not accept, that they need to sleep right now? Drivers falling asleep behind the wheel cause some of the most devastating car accidents in Virginia, and are often killed in the process.

While most people will tell you that they know their limits, most drowsy driving crashes happen precisely because they do not. People often fall asleep while driving because they are more vulnerable or more at risk than in normal circumstances.

Who is more at risk?

• Young people with irregular sleeping hours, especially after they have exerted themselves with activities such as sports, dancing or studying
• Workers and professionals who have spent long hours on duty or in night shifts
• Jet-lagged business travelers
• People on medication with sedating side effects, or under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances
• Drivers who just consumed a heavy meal, when digestion sets in
• People with sleep disorders - especially those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea

What can you do?
Make it a rule for you and your loved ones to stop driving when the first warning signs of drowsiness occur. It is just not worth it to keep fighting when the consequences are so serious and the solution is so easy. Stop and take a nap. Fifteen minutes can help recharge your batteries. If the problem persists, find a room to spend the night or stop for a couple of hours of sleep.

You can eliminate drowsiness preventively. Don't drink alcohol and eat lightly the night before your departure. Avoid driving at night, schedule breaks every two hours, drink caffeinated beverages, and stop taking sedating medication several hours before taking the wheel.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Virginia car crash, contact our office for a free consultation. Our Virginia car wreck lawyers can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.