Accidents Reported in Southern California

Recent CNN Article Draws Attention to Drowsy Driving

According to the article and a poll conducted by the AAA Foundation, a staggering 37% of respondents admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel. It is believed that 60% of all drivers (roughly 168 million) drive while sleepy.

It has also been proved that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drinking and driving. According to the article, staying awake for 20 hours straight has the same effect on the body as a 0.08% blood alcohol level does. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 car crashes that are reported to the police each year are the direct result of fatigue and sleepiness.

Fatigue-related car crashes also often show no signs of skid marks or swerving patterns like a drunk-driving car accident does.

Here are the tips the article provided for avoiding a potentially fatal drowsy driving car accident:

• Recognize that sleep is imperative, and try to get seven to eight hours of it each night. 
• Seek treatment for any condition that affects your sleep, including insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. 
• Avoid driving between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., when the urge to sleep is the strongest. 
• Realize that caffeine is not a substitute for a good night's sleep.
• Pull over for a nap if you are feeling tired.
• Don't drive alone for long distances if you can help it.

Need more information on avoiding serious car accidents in California? Contact the lawyers at Steinberg Spencer for your free copy of The Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Injury Claim by calling 800.989.6385 today.

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