BackEvery year, millions of Californians take to the roads under the influence of something just as serious as drugs – sleep deprivation. Drowsiness at the wheel is an extremely serious problem in a society that prioritizes a fast-paced professional culture and is becoming an increasingly large problem for cities across the nation.
Recent analyses show that drowsiness is responsible for approximately 21% of fatal crashes every year, a number some law firms are fighting back against. The Law Offices of Howard Kornberg are one of these firms, offering experienced Riverside car accident attorneys to the southern California community whose goal is to make the roads a safer place to travel on.
What is Drowsy Driving and Where Is it Most Common
Drowsy driving is exactly what it sounds like – getting behind the wheel while feeling sleepy. While in most people’s minds driving while tired does not seem like that serious of an offense, studies show that it can be comparable to driving under the influence. The effects of driving after being awake around 18 hours can be equated to a 0.05% blood alcohol content, a number that is uncomfortably close to California’s 0.08% limit. After 24 hours, this number rises to 0.1%. All in all, the less sleep one gets, the more likely one is to crash.
Driving while tired can affect alertness and decision-making capabilities. People who get less than six hours of sleep a night and those who snore were much more likely to experience a more difficult time properly operating their vehicle. This is particularly bad in California, as it was the third-worst state in the percentage of drivers who have fallen asleep at the wheel, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How to Prevent Drowsy Driving in Southern California
Preventing drowsy driving is not as easy as it sounds. While knowing the methods used to decrease it is one thing, applying it to routine can be much more difficult.
- The average adult should sleep at least seven hours a day, while teens and younger adults should aim for eight.
- Try to adjust to a consistent sleep schedule that is free from interruption.
- Avoid any sort of drugs (including alcohol) that may make you more sleepy.
- Talk to doctors about any possible sleep disorders you may have.
Knowing the warning signs such as yawning or blinking frequently, short-term memory loss, lane drifting, missing exits, swerving onto rumble strips, and more can all indicate excessively drowsy driving. Keeping these in mind, Californians will be better able to recognize the warning signs before they lead to an accident.
A Riverside Law Firm for Car Accidents Involving Sleepy Drivers
Some law firms are stepping up to the plate, pushing lawsuits against those who have jeopardized others’ lives by getting behind the wheel tired. The Law Offices of Howard Kornberg offers experienced and passionate Riverside car accident attorneys who are concerned with regaining you and your family the compensation you deserve after being hit by a sleepy driver. Reach out to us today at 310-997-0904 or by clicking here to learn more about how our lawyers can help you.
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