Corcoran and Kings County roads can be long, straight shots to wherever you’re headed. The view along the highways and byways can tempt you to daydream a bit, but for drivers who get behind the wheel while drowsy, the trip can become a dangerous struggle to stay alert and out of the path of other motorists.
You may be an innocent victim behind the wheel of your car, unaware that an oncoming driver has fallen asleep. His or her car veers so gradually that you are given no warning before you’re suddenly the victim of a terrible collision. One minute you could be planning out your day, the next you might be in an ambulance and in pain, all because a sleepy driver decided not to do the right thing and get off the road.
Drowsy Driving Dangers in Corcoran
When drivers are fighting the urge to close their eyes, some experts have compared the risks they present to driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that being up for 24 hours can have the same effect on a driver as consuming alcohol and having a .10 % Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). The same dulling of the senses and reflexes can occur and leave drowsy drivers without the awareness to hit the brakes or steer clear of a collision they are about to cause.
The OTS also found that in 2017 there were an astounding 91,000 accidents involving a drowsy driver across the nation. Tragically, 795 people lost their lives in these crashes.
What’s more, the Centers for Disease Control CDC found that one in 25 drivers surveyed reported that they had fallen asleep while driving in the past 30 days. We’ve all had restless nights, but motorists getting behind the wheel when they can’t guarantee that they’ll be able to stay awake are choosing to drive at risk and choosing to put other motorists and pedestrians at risk.
Staying Awake on Kings County Roads
There are times when circumstances keep us from getting enough sleep, but generally, people can make better decisions to ensure they are alert enough to operate a vehicle safely.
Here are a few tips from sleep and driving experts to keep everyone safer:
- Get enough sleep. It seems obvious, but in a society that’s constantly on the go, many people feel that they can get very little sleep and still function properly. A consistent sleep schedule is also better for the human body.
- Drink Caffeine. This is never a long term solution, but it can give you a boost of energy at a low point on the road. Experts recommend drinking caffeine and then taking a 20-minute nap before getting back on the road.
- Avoid driving alone. Having someone in the car with you can help keep your energy levels up and that person can also help spot signs of trouble when you get drowsy.
- Take a break every two hours or 100 miles.
- Avoid driving during certain times of the day. Monitor yourself most closely during the late afternoon and early morning between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. This is when drivers are most likely to drift off.
The OTS also warns that patients with sleep disorders have to take responsibility for their actions. Getting treatment for their conditions can make their lives better and provide safer trips on the road.
Compensation After Drowsy Driving Accidents
Drowsy drivers who cause an accident are completely responsible for their actions, no matter how tragic the circumstances. If a driver causes an accident that leaves you with a painful injury and mounting hospital bills it can be necessary to file a claim for damages against that driver and his or her insurance policy.
This civil claim can be the only thing between you and financial disaster as your medical treatment continues and as you are forced to miss more and more hours at work. Those lost paychecks may even leave you unable to meet your normal monthly expenses like the power bill, car payments, and rent or mortgage payments.
In California, victims left with serious injury have up to two years to file a claim for damages. This deadline starts on the day of the collision. It’s best to begin this process of filing a claim as soon as possible in order to give your attorney time to gather evidence and documents to build your case against a driver who fell asleep at the wheel. You need a solid argument to bring to the at-fault driver’s insurance company to make sure they take your injuries seriously.
Contact a Corcoran Car Accident Attorney
If someone got behind the wheel when they were too tired to drive and caused personal injury to you or someone you love, contact an experienced Corcoran car accident lawyer such as Martin Gasparian for a free consultation and case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian takes a hands-on approach to every case. He believes that every client should work directly with their lawyer, get honest advice, and personalized attention to detail their case deserves.
