Most people understand the steps they can take to prevent drowsy driving. For example, banking your sleep before you get behind the wheel reduces the likelihood of falling asleep.
However, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that some people are more likely than others to drive drowsy. Here are five groups that fit into this category:
- Anyone who doesn’t get enough sleep: Regardless of the reason, if you don’t get enough sleep before driving, even a short distance, you may become drowsy.
- Commercial truckers: These people spend countless hours on the road, increasing the risk of them eventually wearing out.
- Anyone with a sleep disorder: A sleep disorder can make you think you’re getting enough sleep when in all actuality the quality of that sleep isn’t very good.
- People taking medication: Even if it’s prescribed by a doctor and taken appropriately, some medication can result in drowsiness.
- Shift workers: For example, if you work the night shift when you’re used to working the daylight shift, you may find it difficult to maintain a high level of alertness when driving to and from work.
Even if you’ve made it your goal to never drive drowsy, another person could fall asleep at the wheel and cause an accident that puts you in harm’s way.
If this happens, forget about the cause. The responding officer will deal with this. It’s your responsibility to assess your injuries, receive medical treatment and do your part in making a recovery.
Once you have the time and energy to do so, create a plan for seeking compensation for your injuries and other damages pertaining to the accident.