The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has warned drivers of the potential dangers of what it calls “drowsy driving.” This phenomenon, where people drive when they are physically or mentally exhausted, is responsible for a surprising number of auto accidents every year. That is why you should always make sure to avoid driving if you feel tired, and take steps to handle exhaustion if you have no choice but to drive while fatigued.

What is Drowsy Driving?

“Drowsy driving” is an informal term for when drivers get behind the wheel while suffering from mental or physical exhaustion. As a general rule, the more exhausted someone is when they drive, the greater the risk they will get into an accident. Accidents involving fatigued drivers tend to happen more between midnight and 6:00 AM, as well as late in the afternoon, and are most frequently seen on rural roads and highways.

How Does Drowsy Driving Happen?

People may experience drowsy driving any time they drive despite feeling fatigued and not in the best shape to drive. Some common factors cited include a lack of sleep, driving for too long without breaks, engaging in excessive physical or mental exertion, or taking medication that induces drowsiness. In some cases, simply driving home after a long work day can be enough to induce exhaustion and increase the risk of drowsy driving.

What Are the Dangers of Drowsy Driving?

People who drive while suffering from exhaustion tend to suffer from a number of physical and psychological issues that place them at greater risk of an accident. For example, they tend to suffer from worse reaction times and poor judgment, making it harder for them to respond to adverse road conditions. Additionally, drowsy drivers are often more irritable and more likely to engage in aggressive habits like speeding or tailgating. In the worst case scenarios, someone may simply drift to sleep behind the wheel, losing control over their vehicle completely.

How Can You Avoid Drowsy Driving?

The best preventative against drowsy driving is a good night’s sleep, but that is not always possible. Caffeine from coffee, soft drinks, or energy drinks can help in the short term, but tend to result in limited bursts of energy that do not combat exhaustion for long. If you feel yourself becoming too tired to drive, the best solution is to pull off to the side of the road and take a short nap, which often helps.

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.