Drowsy driving is a serious problem in Montana, as well as in the rest of the country. It appears that some drivers don’t understand the importance of pulling over if they’re not 100 percent alert.
While drowsy driving can impact anyone, some people are more likely to face this than others. These groups include:
- Anyone who doesn’t get the recommended amount of sleep before hitting the road
- Commercial drivers who spend many consecutive hours on the road (often without a break)
- Shift workers who who work at night and sleep during the day
- Anyone taking medication that has the potential to cause drowsiness
- Drivers with sleep disorders like sleep apnea that prohibit them from getting enough rest
- Consuming alcohol before driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowsy driving is responsible for tens of thousands of accidents and injuries every year. Furthermore, it’s estimated that drowsy driving causes approximately 6,000 fatal accidents annually.
It’s easy to understand why falling asleep at the wheel could cause a serious accident. However, even if you’re just drowsy, you could be impacted in the following ways:
- Inability to make fast, sound decisions
- Less able to pay attention to the road and your surroundings
- Slowed reaction times if you need to suddenly brake
Even if you’re 100 percent alert, don’t lose sight of the fact that other drivers may be too drowsy to operate their motor vehicles.
If you’re injured in a drowsy driving accident, call for help, receive treatment and then file an insurance claim. Your health is top priority, but it’s also important to seek the compensation you deserve.