For a free consultation call

We Put Our Dedicated Team

TO WORK FOR YOU

On The Front Lines Of The Legal Battle

What NC Drivers Need to Know About Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving can affect anyone, and is responsible for thousands of traffic deaths and injuries. It is important to get enough sleep before driving.

With the upcoming holiday season, many residents of North Carolina and elsewhere will be making road trips to see family and friends out of state. Americans are often sleep-deprived, which can be deadly on the roads.

How serious is the problem of drowsy driving?

According to studies by State Farm Insurance and the Governors Highway Safety Association, more than 80 million people in the country drive while drowsy. In 2015, about 5,000 people were killed in motor vehicle collisions attributed to drowsy driving. In studies by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 31.5 percent of respondents said that during the past 30 days, they had driven despite having trouble keeping their eyes open. Additionally, 3.5 percent said this occurred on a regular basis, and 43.2 percent admitted they had actually fallen asleep or nodded off behind the wheel.

Who is the most likely to drive while drowsy?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claim that while anyone can drive sleepy, certain groups are more at risk of being injured or killed in accidents related to drowsy driving. These include the following:

It should be noted that anyone who regularly does not get enough sleep can be at an elevated risk of unintentionally catching up on their sleep while driving.

Is drowsy driving as bad as drunk driving?

In other studies, driving while sleep-deprived was shown to have the same impairment effects as alcohol intoxication. According to the National Sleep Foundation, Australian researchers tested drivers who had been awake for 18 hours and found they had similarities to those with a blood alcohol content of .05 percent. After being awake for 24 hours, drivers behaved similarly to people with a .10 BAC, which is higher than the legal limit in America.

How can I keep from falling asleep behind the wheel?

The most important rule to follow and avoid drowsy driving is to get enough rest the night before a trip. Drivers may also bring someone to switch turns driving and help keep them awake, avoid driving while taking sedating medications, and stop every couple of hours to stretch their legs. If drowsiness becomes a problem, it may be a good idea to pull over at a rest stop or parking lot to take a nap. Caffeine can help increase alertness for a little while, but should not be used as a substitution for adequate sleep.

This holiday season, people are encouraged to consider the risks of drowsy driving and be sure they are not beginning a road trip on little sleep. It may be necessary to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in Raleigh after an accident that has caused an injury.

CONTACT US

Let Us Help! Call us at (919) 277-0150 or fill out this quick form and we will contact you within 24 hours!

Latest News

Can You Sue Social Security to Receive Your Benefits? | Raleigh Disability Attorney

When the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your disability claim, it can feel like you’ve hit a dead end. Many applicants wonder if they can sue the SSA to receive the benefits they believe they deserve. While the path to securing Social Security Disability benefits isn’t straightforward, there are legal remedies available when your claim is denied. At O’Malley Tunstall,

Read More

Why Choose Lawyers Specializing in Social Security Benefits? 5 Biggest Reasons:

Navigating the Social Security Disability (SSD) process can be overwhelming while dealing with a debilitating condition. The system is complex, with strict deadlines and high denial rates for initial applications. At O’Malley Tunstall, PC, our board-certified Social Security Disability lawyers have the specialized knowledge and dedication to guide North Carolina residents through this challenging process, significantly improving their chances of

Read More

Social Security Disability Laws 101 | O’Malley Tunstall, PC

Navigating the complex landscape of Social Security Disability (SSD) laws can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with a debilitating medical condition. Understanding these laws is important for successfully securing the benefits you need and deserve. At O’Malley Tunstall, PC, our board-certified Social Security Disability specialists have decades of experience helping Raleigh residents interpret these laws, prepare comprehensive applications,

Read More

How to Get Legal Help with Social Security Benefits Right Now in Raleigh, NC

Navigating the Social Security Disability benefits system can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with the challenges of a disabling condition. The complex application process, strict eligibility requirements, and high denial rates create significant barriers for many deserving applicants. At O’Malley Tunstall, PC, our board-certified Social Security Disability specialists provide comprehensive legal assistance to Raleigh residents, guiding them through

Read More

Testimonial

Jennifer M.

Google Reviewer

“I highly recommend this law firm!!! They worked diligently on my permanent disability case! I was injured in a car wreck which had left me unable to work. Susan O’Malley got my disability approved in under 6 months! It was my 1st time ever applying for permanent disability as well! It was a pleasure to work with you! They were always on top of everything and responded promptly to any questions I had!”