In Macon and beyond, we represent people who have been injured in all types of accidents
Anyone can become drowsy while behind the wheel
You know the feeling. You’re driving along, feeling pretty good about yourself, but soon find that you’re unable to keep your eyes open.
Should you find yourself in this situation, the right thing to do is pull to safety and regroup. Unfortunately, making this decision is easier said than done, especially if you’re close to home and feel like you can pull through.
Here are some signs that you’re too drowsy to operate a motor vehicle:
- It’s difficult to keep your eyes open
- Excessive yawning
- Bobbing head
- Inability to remember what happened over the past few miles
- Missing your turn or exit
- Realizing that you’re violating the rules of the road
Just as you can become drowsy, other drivers are also at risk. This is particularly true if anyone who spends many consecutive hours behind the wheel, such as commercial truckers and bus drivers.
Here are some signs that another driver isn’t alert:
- Floating into and out of their lane of travel
- Overly aggressive
- Ignoring other drivers on the road
While you can’t do anything to protect against others driving drowsy, here’s what you can do to avoid this yourself:
- Get enough sleep before hitting the road: If you’re tired before you get behind the wheel, you can expect this to be the case upon taking to the road.
- Avoid anything that can increase drowsiness: This includes but is not limited to alcohol, over the counter medication and prescription drugs.
- Take breaks: For instance, if you’re on a long road trip, take plenty of breaks to keep your mind and body fresh. Yes, it will slow you down, but it will also keep you safe. And that’s what matters most.
- Don’t drive at night: You can become drowsy at any time of the day, but this is more likely to occur at night. Do your best to stay off the road when the sun is down.
Even if you’re 100% alert, don’t assume that every other driver is feeling as good as you. It’s likely that you’re sharing the road with someone who shouldn’t be behind the wheel.
If you’re injured in a drowsy driving accident, don’t risk your future. Seek medical treatment and then learn more about your legal rights in Georgia.