Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Explains Common Signs of Drowsy Driving
If you see another driver yawn, stretch, and yawn again, it’s easy to tell they’re having trouble staying awake. But what if the drivers around you aren’t yawning? There are other signs that might indicate fatigue in the drivers, and it’s important to watch for these signs so you can practice defensive driving while around them.
If you were injured in a car accident and suspect the other driver was driving while fatigued, you should mention any signs of drowsy driving to your attorney. They may be able to use this to help strengthen your personal injury case, particularly if you suspect the other driver’s drowsiness caused or contributed to the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney at Dulaney, Lauer, & Thomas explains signs to watch for and how they may affect your claim.
The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were approximately 91,000 police-reported crashes involving drowsy drivers, in which 50,000 people were injured and nearly 800 were killed. However, the impact of drowsy driving is likely higher than these numbers reveal.
Here are some important facts to remember about drowsy-driving crashes:
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They’re most common between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. or in the late afternoon when people experience dips in their circadian rhythm.
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They often involve a single driver (with no passengers) running off the road at a high speed.
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They frequently happen on rural roads and highways.
Signs of Drowsy Driving You May Not Have Known
You may already recognize the more obvious signs of drowsy driving, including yawning, unexpected lane changes, or difficulty maintaining speed. There are some other signs to watch for, including:
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Micro-sleep. This occurs when a person’s eyelids drift shut and suddenly pop open.
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Head bobbing. Drowsy drivers may have trouble keeping their heads up.
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Eyelid closure. A tired driver may shut their eyes longer than during an average blink.
If you see drivers around you demonstrating any of these behaviors, drive carefully. If their fatigue is causing a dangerous situation, call 911 if it is safe for you to do so.
Why You Should Tell Your Attorney if You Noticed These Signs of Drowsy Driving
Determining fault in accidents is often a complex process, and drowsy driving can make a case more difficult to prove. Knowing whether a drowsy driver caused your accident can be difficult, especially in the immediate aftermath. Sometimes, your crash requires a thorough investigation to determine its cause.
That’s why you need to report noticing any signs of drowsiness to your Warren County car accident attorney. They can investigate your case, pulling evidence from police reports, traffic cameras, witness statements, and, if applicable, black box data.
How to Avoid Drowsy Driving
In a society that emphasizes work and fitting as much as possible into each day, it can be difficult to combat the prevalence of drowsy driving. To avoid contributing to the problem and to ensure the safety of you and those around you, try the following tips for avoiding drowsy driving:
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Get adequate sleep, especially before long trips.
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Avoid alcohol before driving, even in small amounts.
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Check all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to learn if they might cause drowsiness. If they do, use public transport when possible.
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Avoid driving when you are most tired, such as between midnight and 6 a.m. or late afternoon.
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Stay vigilant for signs of fatigue while driving, especially if you’re driving alone.
Potential Compensation if You Were Injured by a Drowsy Driver
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a drowsy driver, you may be eligible for compensation for the damages you suffered, including:
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Economic damages. This includes medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and loss of future earning ability, if applicable.
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Non-economic damages. This includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.
