Next week we change our clocks back for daylight savings time. During this time of year, we “fall back” one hour, meaning that we get to wake up an hour later than normal.
However, that also means that it will get darker earlier in the evening, a time when many individuals are leaving work. It’s a well-known fact that driving at night increases the risk of car accidents for a variety of reasons - less visibility, construction, and driver fatigue.
The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
Biologically, our bodies become more tired when the sun goes down. This can be incredibly dangerous for those behind the wheel at night. Drowsiness can make drivers less attentive, slow reaction time to brake or steer, and even affect a driver’s ability to make good decisions.
Drowsy driving is a huge problem in the U.S. A report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that 1 in every 25 adult drivers report having fallen asleep at the wheel in the past 30 days. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that drowsy driving was responsible for at least 72,000 crashes and 44,000 injuries in 2013.
Some warning signs of drowsy driving to look out for include:
- Yawning or blinking frequently
- Missing your turn or exit
- Drifting from your lane
- Swerving
- Trouble remembering the past few miles driven
Here are some tips for eliminating falling asleep at the wheel:
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep a night
- Avoid nighttime medications before bed
- Use caffeine for a quick boost
- Avoid nighttime driving if possible
If you’re injured in a car accident in Chicago, turn to Panio Law Offices for help pursuing your case. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we help win you compensation.
Contact our firm at (708) 928-8680 to discuss your options.