Avoiding Fatigued Driving

Fatigued driving is a topic we regularly cover on the blog, and for good reason: the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) reports more than 6,000 lives are lost each year due to drowsy driving. When you factor in holiday to-dos, strained sleep schedules from concerns around COVID-19, and conditions on the road this time of year, a reminder about the dangers of driving while drowsy is in order. Keep reading for tips on how to avoid fatigued driving from an accident lawyer in North Charleston.

What Is Fatigued Driving?
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s (AASM) definition of fatigued driving: “When a person who is operating a motor vehicle is too tired to remain alert. As a result, the driver may have slow reaction times, reduced vigilance and impaired thinking. In the worst case, the driver may fall asleep behind the wheel.”

Groups at a Higher Risk of Fatigued Driving According To AASM Include:

• Those with untreated sleep disorders
• Shift workers
• Those experiencing medication side-effects
• Young men

Learn the Warning Signs of Fatigued Driving

AASM cautions drivers to be aware of the signs of fatigued driving:

• Yawning
• Not able to keep your eyes open
• “Nodding off” and trouble keeping your head up
• Not able to remember driving the last few miles
• Driving too close to nearby cars
• Missing road signs or turns
• Drifting into other lanes or onto rumble strips on the shoulder

An additional sign of fatigued driving listed on the National Safety Council (NSC) website is having difficulty maintaining your speed.

How To Avoid Driving Drowsy

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s suggestions to prevent fatigued driving:

• Get adequate sleep (7+ hours for adults, 8+ hours for teens)
• Practice good sleep habits (a sleep schedule may be helpful)
• Pursue treatment if you have a sleeping disorder
• Don’t drink or take medications that make you sleepy before driving

Other ideas from the AASM to keep in your toolkit:

• Avoid driving late at night
• Drive with a companion
• Take turns driving with a partner
• Pull over at a safe place to take a nap
• Consume caffeine for a quick boost
• Arrange for a ride home

We’re Here to Help
Are you looking for an accident lawyer in North Charleston? If you or someone you love was the victim of an accident due to fatigued driving, turn to John Price Law Firm, LLC. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 552-6011.

Additional Resources:

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/problem-drowsy-driving
http://sleepeducation.org/sleep-topics/drowsy-driving
https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/fatigued-driving