Not Getting Enough Sleep? Being Tired Increases Pinellas County Car Accident Risks

Many people have trouble sleeping. Unfortunately, trying to ‘catch up’ on missed sleep at other times does not always help. As a result, you may walk around feeling tired and run down a lot. This can dramatically increase the odds of being involved in a car accident. Our Seminole car accident attorney explains more about the dangers of drowsy driving, ways it increases the likelihood of a crash, and how to reduce your risks.

Lack of Sleep Has Major Impacts On Driving Ability

With the recent switch to Daylight Saving Time, you may be finding yourself feeling more tired than usual. Unfortunately, one hour of lost sleep can make a big difference. According to the National Institutes of Health, time changes disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms, which impact your sleep schedule. This can cause serious health problems while leaving you feeling run down for weeks after.

Regardless of the time of year, lack of adequate sleep is a problem many people suffer from. Be aware that this can make you more accident-prone. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that getting behind the wheel after suffering even an hour of missed sleep can mimic the same effects as driving under the influence of alcohol and has the following impacts on your driving abilities:

• Increased likelihood of blurred vision;
• Decreased reflexes and coordination;
• Slower response times;
• Impaired judgment.

Protecting Yourself Against Drowsy Driving Car Accidents

Drowsy driving is a serious public health threat and a leading cause of car accidents in Pinellas County and in other places throughout the country. In surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an alarming one out of every 25 motorists admitted to dozing off while driving at some point over the prior month.

Many people suffer from sleep disturbances, such as insomnia and sleep apnea, which can leave them feeling run down during the day. Working swing or double shifts, being a student and staying up all night studying for exams, or even being a new parent and taking care of a baby can increase your drowsy driving risks as well.

To reduce your chances of being involved in a drowsy driving-related car accident in Pinellas County, avoid getting behind the wheel when excessively tired. While on the road, be alert for signs of drowsy driving in other motorists:

• Going either too fast or too slow for traffic conditions;
• Swerving in and out of lanes;
• Jerking movements and sudden stops;
• Rolling right through red lights, stop signs or any intersection.

Contact Our Seminole Car Accident Attorney And Request A Consultation

Drowsy driving is a serious problem on local roads. If you are injured in a car accident and suspect drowsy driving on the part of another motorist was responsible, get the professional legal help you need from the Reep Law Firm. As an experienced Pinellas County car accident attorney, we help you get the compensation you are entitled to in a claim. Call or contact our office online and request a consultation today.

Sources:

nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2021/daylight-saving-time-changes-impact-people-differently-according-new-research

nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving

cdc.gov/sleep/features/drowsy-driving.html