Driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Florida drivers need to make sure that they are alert and aware of their surroundings while behind the wheel, which will help them to avoid accidents.
No matter where a person lives or how old they are, they are susceptible to stress and a lack of sleep. Unfortunately, driving while drowsy causes 1.2 million collisions every year. In order for an adult to be well-rested and ready to get behind the wheel, they typically need seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night. No matter how well a person sleeps at night, though, there may be times during the day when they feel especially sleepy, like during the afternoon.
In addition to getting enough sleep before getting behind the wheel, drivers should be aware of warning signs that they are driving while drowsy. A person who is driving while drowsy may not remember how far they have traveled, they may tailgate, or they may drift from one lane to the other. When a person has trouble staying focused, they cannot keep their head up, or they are yawning frequently and rubbing their eyes, these are indications that they are drowsy.
Some use techniques like turning up the radio, rolling down the window or drinking hot coffee to stave off drowsiness. However, the only remedy for driving drowsy is to get enough sleep. Also, drivers should take a break when driving long distances, stopping every two hours in order to move around and get some exercise.
Individuals who have been victims of car accidents that were caused by a drowsy or distracted driver might want to speak with an attorney. The attorney may be able to answer questions about getting compensation for pain and suffering, catastrophic injuries and property damage.
