Why Drowsy Driving is Not Worth It
Drowsy driving continues to claim hundreds of lives each year. With busier schedules in work or driving long hours for jobs, people tend to become sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation can have a lot of negative effects on our thinking and behavior during the day. Performing complex tasks like driving while sleep deprived can be risky for anyone. Be sure to talk to a Central New York injury lawyer if you experienced injuries after a drowsy driving car accident to see what your options are for compensation.
Prevalence of Drowsy Driving
In the year 2013 alone, drowsy driving was tied to 800 deaths, 44,000 personal injuries, and 72,000 car accidents. The daunting thing is that these numbers may not be completely accurate because not all drivers will report they were drowsy while driving. Some drivers may not remember whether they were 
drowsy or not because of the severity of the situation and the injuries they suffered.
This may leave you wondering who is more prone to fall asleep at the wheel. The main factor that contributes to drowsy driving accidents is receiving less than six hours of sleep each night. Shift workers and commercial drivers who drive for most of the day are left vulnerable to fewer hours of sleep.
However, even people who do receive enough sleep each night can experience drowsy driving. Those with sleep apnea or narcolepsy can suffer chronic daytime drowsiness despite how much sleep they receive. Narcolepsy comes with involuntary periods of falling asleep at random times. Sleep apnea disrupts restful sleep.
How to Prevent Drowsy Driving
The first rule of preventing drowsy driving is to receive enough sleep each night. If you are suspected to have narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or a different sleep disorder where you feel tired during the day, see a doctor. Certain medications and medical procedures can put a stop to chronic daytime drowsiness. At the same time, check medication labels for drowsy driving warnings. They usually have them on the package under the warning label.
If you are tired, but still have to drive, try to take someone with you to make sure you do not fall asleep during the trip. Other options include public transportation and caffeine. Caffeine should be used as a last resort.
In the event that you are driving and feel drowsy, pull over if you feel like you are falling asleep. Most trips are not worth the risk of a serious accident.
Consult With a Car Accident Lawyer in New York
Dealing with the aftermath of a drowsy driving accident can be confusing and stressful. Talk to an experienced Syracuse car accident lawyer if you suffered injuries from a car accident caused by someone else.
At Gattuso & Ciotoli, we have over 50 years of experience with personal injury claims. Call us at (315) 314-8000 for a free consultation today. We are located in Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn. Depending on the damages you endured, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.