Drowsy driving is a hidden danger on Texas highways, responsible for countless accidents, injuries, and fatalities per year. Acknowledge the warning signs of fatigue and take precautions to prevent sleepy driving to be a serious threat to your safety and the safety of other people. To help you stay safe on the road, this Web site will break down the crucial facts, explain the dangers, and give you some helpful advice.
Texas Drowsy Driving Statistics That Will Shock You
Drowsiness is a serious matter throughout the U.S., and Texas is no exception. The Lone Star declares that they’ve experienced a fair amount of fatigue-related noise.
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving causes approximately 100,000 wrecks per year in the country, resulting in over 1,500 fatalities and 71,000 injuries.
- Texas consistently ranks among the top states for drowsy driving accidents.
- The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that fatigue-related accidents occur most often through early morning and late-night hours, particularly on long highway stretches.
This figure is likely a very conservative estimate because it can be difficult to establish fatigue as the main cause of an accident. However, it indicates a clear picture of driving while tired is a danger and complete occurrence in Texas.
Who is More Likely to be Sleepy or Fatigued While Driving?
Some drivers are more prone to drowsy driving due to their lifestyle, career, or other health problems. Among them,
- Shift Workers, individuals who work irregular hours or night shifts frequently have trouble sleeping, which increases their vulnerability to exhaustion.
- Commercial Drivers, truck drivers and other operators of commercial vehicles typically operate for a long periods of time with a small respite.
- Juvenile Drivers, teen and young adults are likely motivated to drive sleep deprived when they are scheduled to attend school, social activities, and part-time jobs.
- New Parents, Adults with a new addition to the family are often sleep deprived, which makes them more prone to impaired driving.
- People with sleep disorders, People with sleep apnea and chronic insomnia may have significant effects on their ability to remain alert as drivers.
- Medication Users, Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs include drowsiness as a side effect. Acknowledging whether you belong to such communities will help you obtain preventive measures to avoid driving under the influence.
Why Drowsy Driving Is So Dangerous
For many, the dangerous effects of drowsy driving and drunken driving are one in the same, and that’s not all. The impairments sustained under alcohol consumption are oftentimes scarily similar to fatigue symptoms.
- Fatigue reduces your brain’s chemical reaction time, which makes it more difficult to respond to unexpected changes in the road, like needing to come to a sudden stop at a car or a pedestrian crossing.
- Drowsiness impairs cognitive function, resulting in poor decision-making and excessive dangerous driving behavior.
- Microsleeps are brief, involuntary slips of attention that can last only a couple of seconds, although they are long enough to cause a catastrophic accident.
- According to the investigation, staying awake for 17 consecutive hours decreases your driving ability to the same extent as if your blood alcohol content was 0.05 %. Your BAC would be the equivalent of 0.10 % after 24 hours without sleep, which is higher than the legal limit.
Based on the facts and studies available, it’s clear that driving drowsy is just as dangerous as driving drunk, if not more so.
Drowsy Driving and the Law: Why It’s Considered Negligence in Texas
Drivers in Texas are required to operate their vehicles with reasonable care. When an operator chooses to operate their vehicle and causes an accident, they can be held legally liable for damages because they failed to pay attention in the way that a reasonable person would have under similar circumstances.
Furthermore, even if they share fault or liability with another driver, a drowsy driver may still be held responsible. Texas follows a comparative fault system, meaning if the drowsy driver is found to be at least 51% at fault for the accident, they can be held liable for the incurred damages.
Texas is an at fault state, which means that the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for all the resulting damages. A victim of a drowsy driving accident may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, as well as damages to their property.
10 Warning Signs You’re Too Tired to Drive (And How to Assess Your Fatigue)
To avoid disaster, it is essential to acknowledge that you may be too tired to continue driving. The following indicators can help you know your fatigue level and decide if it is high enough to pull over and rest.
- Frequent Yawning: If you can’t stop yawning, it’s a clear sign of fatigue.
- Heavy Eyelids: Struggling to keep your eyes open is a red flag.
- Blurred Vision: Difficulty focusing on the road indicates fatigue.
- Daydreaming: Losing track of time or missing road signs suggests a lack of focus.
- Drifting Out of Lane: If you find yourself veering off course, it’s time to stop.
- Tailgating: Fatigue can impair your ability to maintain a safe following distance.
- Missing Exits: Failing to notice your intended exit shows diminished attention.
- Increased Irritability: Fatigue often leads to frustration and aggressive driving.
- Slow Reaction Times: Delayed responses to traffic signals or hazards are dangerous.
- Microsleeps: Brief, involuntary lapses in consciousness are a serious warning sign.
If you’re able to recognize each of these signs, run away from a secure place, sleep a little, or otherwise find a means of transport,.
How to Stay Awake and Avoid Drowsy Driving in Texas
If you feel tired and have a long drive coming soon, don’t hesitate to rest or take a nap prior to getting behind the wheel. However, if you want to avoid being drowsy while driving, you can follow these tips.
- Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Plan Your Trip: Schedule driving during daylight hours and take regular breaks.
- Avoid Heavy Meals: Large, carb-heavy meals can make you feel sluggish.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay alert.
- Use caffeine cautiously: coffee or another energy drink may provide an significant boost but should not replace rest.
- Engage in Conversation: Talking with a passenger can help keep you alert.
- Listen to Upbeat Music: Music with a fast tempo can help maintain your focus.
- Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: Even small amounts of alcohol can exacerbate fatigue.
You can reduce the threat of drowsy driving and stay safe on Texas highways by adopting these strategies. However, the best advice is to have enough rest every day, particularly if you know that you have a long drive ahead.
How Tate Accident Law Helps Victims of Texas Drowsy Driving Accidents
If you’ve lost a loved one in a drowsy driving accident in Texas, Tate Accident Law is here to assist you. Our experienced personal injury lawyers understand the intricate details of such incidents and are dedicated to obtaining the compensation you are entitled to. Here’s how we support our customers
- We will carry out a thorough investigation on your case in order to establish liability and gather evidence quickly.
- Access to expert medical care even if you do not have health insurance.
- With aggressive representation, our legitimate party will fight relentlessly for the rightful holding of the negligent driver and perhaps the company responsible.
- In order to maximize compensation, we will pursue compensation for medical expenses, erroneous wages, pain, and suffering, as well as for other damages.
- No Upfront Fees: You don’t pay unless we win your case.
Contact Tate Accident Law Today
Don’t let the negligence of an impaired driver derail your life. You can get free legal advice and find out how we can help you correct your course to recovery. Please call us, chat with us online, or fill out our online form to find a time to get in touch.
