Asleep on the wheel or drowsy driving is a big issue that leads to serious car accidents in Ohio. The dangers, risks, and frequently fatal consequences associated with drowsy driving are serious. The risky mix of driving and drowsiness or exhaustion is known as drowsy driving. This typically occurs whenever the person has not gotten adequate sleep, but it can also occur as a result of unresolved sleep issues, drugs, heavy drinking, or shift employment.
Drowsy driving is estimated to cause 1.2 million vehicle collisions and 8,000 deaths each year, according to some research. A person may feel drowsy or fall asleep at any time of the day depending on his/her daily routine but usually, the accidents caused by drowsiness and sleepiness happen in the late afternoon between 12 pm to 3 or 4 pm or late at night after 11 pm onwards till dawn because these times are of sleep according to our circadian rhythms. Whenever a driver of the vehicle becomes sleepy or drifts off for even a second, the consequences can be fatal.
Hazardous Attitudes Regarding Drowsy Driving that Lead to Car Accidents in Ohio:
People lack the understanding of how dangerous driving can be when you’re sleepy or drowsy and what kind of serious consequences it can lead to. This behavior can lead to fatal accidents that can cause damage not only to the person themselves but also to the other people around them. Others drivers, people on the sidewalks, people in the buildings nearby, etc. all are at risk of not only just long-lasting injuries but also lifetime imparness and even death. Following are the hazardous attitudes that are usually observed to cause a car accident in Ohio because of drowsy driving:
- Sleep Deprivation:
Driving a car when sleep deprived is a risky mix. The average person requires at least 7 – 9 hours of sleep a night every day. Drivers who seem to have no sleep or only a few hours of sleep put other commuters, cyclists, and walkers in grave danger. Drivers who are tired or sleep-deprived have shorter response times, poor attention, and difficulties making correct driving judgments.
- Drinking Alcohol:
Consumption of alcohol is a major contributing factor in drowsy and sleepy driving. Consumption can cause drowsiness at any time of the day and impede one’s driving, reduce response times and the person may as well pass out at any time. Driving after consuming alcohol is a hazardous behavior because even a small quantity of it can put a driver asleep or cause them to pass out behind the wheel putting a lot of people at risk of damage and injury.
- Medicines:
A lot of drivers are on different types of medications or some might have taken some self-purchased medication. Different medicines have different side effects but one very common side-effect is feeling drowsy and sleepy. Anti-allergies and anti-depressants are the medications that most people are on and these medicines usually have these side-effects. These medicines can cause the driver to either fall asleep behind the wheel or feel drowsy reduce response time as well which can lead to fatal accidents. So one should be aware of the medicines and their side effects, which he/she has taken before driving.
- People at High Risk:
Some people are at higher risk of getting into accidents due to drowsiness. These people include individuals who work double shifts or night shifts, individuals who have long working hours with little time to sleep, individuals who have long hours driving jobs, individuals who travel frequently for business, individuals who have undiscovered and untreated hidden health issues that might appear at any time. These people are much more likely to fall asleep or feel drowsy while sleeping.
Symptoms of Drowsiness and Sleepiness:
Following are the signs and symptoms that will indicate that it is better that you pull over rather than drive further:
- Blinking
- Heavy eyes; difficult to open
- Daydreaming
- Yawning
- Lack of focus
- Impatience
- Slower and reduced reaction time
- Stiffness or pain in legs, back, or any other part
- Can’t control driving speed
Most drivers feel that a cup of strong coffee will fix all this but that is not the case so it is better to give yourself a break when you feel any of these symptoms in order to avoid a serious car accident in Ohio.
Contact Us:
You and your loved ones deserve compensation in case the accident was the fault of the driver who was sleepy and drowsy. All your losses, damages, injuries, and medical bills will be compensated after a car accident in Ohio. Our experienced and professional lawyers have vast experience in this field and can help you get the compensation that you deserve so get in touch today.
