Driving Drowsy and Maine Car Accidents

No matter how safe of a driver you are or the amount of precautions you take, you can’t always avoid a Maine car accident. A collision with another vehicle can leave you or a loved one with a lifetime of pain and suffering. You could find yourself facing a mountain of medical bills you can’t pay.

Key findings from a recent study

To make matters worse, a recent AAA Foundation report suggests that driving drowsy has become a prevalent problem. The 2010 report, Asleep at the Wheel: The Prevalence and Impact of Drowsy Driving, suggests that though 96 percent of all drivers consider driving drowsy to be unacceptable, the driving habit is still a major problem. According to the report:

• Approximately 32 percent of those surveyed admit to driving while sleepy
• Nearly 16.5 percent of crashes involving fatal injuries involved a drowsy driver
• Nearly 13.1 percent of crashes where someone was hospitalized involved a drowsy driver

Warning signs that you may be too tired to drive

You should pull your vehicle over immediately if you find yourself:

• Unable to stay focused on the road
• Unable to keep your eyes open or head up
• Drifting or swerving into other lanes or tailgating
• Unable to remember the last few miles driven
• Feeling restless or irritable
• Rubbing your eyes or yawning continuously
• Missing traffic signs

What you can do to avoid falling asleep at the wheel

Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to help remain alert while driving, such as:

• Stop driving, and pull over immediately if you become sleepy
• Make sure to get plenty of sleep the night before a long road trip
• Travel with someone who is awake and who can talk to you
• Avoid driving at times where you are normally asleep
• Schedule frequent breaks
• Consume caffeinated beverages such as coffee

Building your case against the other driver who may have caused your accident can be a difficult process. An experienced Maine motor vehicle accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about your case, call us today to order your free copy of our book, The BIG Secrets About Maine Injury Claims: What No One Is Telling You.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident caused by a drowsy driver, contact one of our experienced Maine motor vehicle accident attorneys at Lowry & Associates at (888) 485-9501.