Are Sleep-Deprived Parents More Likely to Cause Auto Accidents?
The National Sleep Foundation conducted a poll in 2005 known as the “Sleep in America” poll, which noted that at least 60% of adult drivers – which is about 168 million – admit they have been behind the wheel while feeling drowsy within the past year. Additionally, more than a third of these people have fallen asleep while driving! 13% of those who nodded off say it wasn’t just once–it happens about once a month. What’s more, 4% of those people, 11 million drivers, say they were responsible for an auto accident, or near accident because of being sleep deprived.
Sleep Deprivation in the News
1 and 25 lethargic parents fall asleep behind the wheel. A recent post by a columnist at the The Trentonian discusses his mishap, and what it did to him as a father. After a miserable hot morning, he and his family returned to the house. His daughter had fallen asleep, so he decided to drive around with their son until he fell asleep as well. He dropped the rest of his family off and backed down the driveway. About 30 minutes later he gave up, and decided to head back home.
He wasn’t even a quarter-mile from his home when he stopped at a red light, and made a right-hand turn. Now, even closer to home, on a 2-lane road southbound, he suddenly heard a strange rumble coming from his left front tire. He had run straight into a center-median, which only had 200 feet of room–tops. He jerked the wheel back to the right after seeing an oncoming car still a good distance away. He is still haunted by the thought of what might have happened had that curb not been there to awaken him…
Side Effects of Sleep Deprivation
Impaired judgment, delayed reaction, difficulty with decision-making skills, falling asleep behind the wheel, these are all negative impacts which are related to sleep deprivation in parents, as well as every other adult or teenager–in fact, although sleep deprivation is somewhat of a risk for many, it is especially dangerous for teenage drivers and parents.
Factors Which Increase Driving Drowsily
It is important to get at least 6 hours of sleep at night. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, getting behind the wheel can be a dangerous choice. This choice is also heightened by the use of illegal drugs, or drinking alcohol. Long workout or low iron levels can make you fall asleep quicker than usual.
Hot days are known to make sluggish parents get into car accidents. Sometimes, the hum of the car drifting over the asphalt can also contribute to a nod. It is also a known fact that being even moderately dehydrated can cause feelings of fatigue. If you have taken any medication, be sure to check the labels for drowsiness warnings before jumping in the car and taking off.
Studies have shown that anything with a blue light–such as a cell phone–can amp up brain activity when you are feeling out of it. But, of course, don’t go checking your text messages while driving just to stay awake.
Higher Economic Costs Can Result from Drowsy Drivers
If you crash because you are tired, you may end up with a jail sentence. Many multi-million dollar lawsuits and settlements have been awarded to crash victims. If you have been in an auto accident due to falling asleep behind the wheel, you need to contact your local Michigan personal injury attorney to make sure your case ends with the best possible outcome.
Femminineo Attorneys PLLC: David Femminineo
855-65-CRASH
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Mt Clemens, MI 48043
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