We understand that so many people in our nation are extremely busy. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, getting enough sleep on a regular basis is a real challenge. But did you know that getting behind the wheel while you are sleepy can increase the risks that you’ll be involved in a car accident?
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration ranks drowsiness alongside drunk driving, stating that as many crashes are caused by drivers who are sleepy as are caused by drivers who are intoxicated. And yet, many people drive sleepy on a regular basis. Whether you are struggling after a sleepless night to get the kids to school or are coming home after late-night outings or business meetings, drowsy driving can be dangerous.
What can you do to avoid this issue? When possible, have someone drive who is not sleepy or sleep deprived. You can also try to get enough sleep on a regular basis. When you get enough regular sleep, one bad night is less likely to be a major issue. We know there are many reasons you might not be able to get regular sleep and that you can’t do anything about some of those reasons. But we also know that many people make choices to stay up rather than seeking the bed at an appropriate time.
All that being said, you certainly can’t mandate behavior for every other driver on the road. What happens when you are well rested but still involved in an accident because another driver is sleepy behind the wheel in New Jersey? In such cases, that other driver might bear the liability for the accident. If you are faced with such a scenario, consider consulting a lawyer on what the best next steps might be to financial recovery.
Source: Dummies.com, “Recognizing the Dangers of Sleep Deprivation,” accessed March 18, 2016