Drowsy Driving A Factor In Many Southeast Missouri Car Accidents

Our Cape Girardeau injury lawyers urge drivers to take the risks of sleepy driving seriously. According to attorney Aaron Sachs, roughly 1 in 6 car wrecks resulting in hospitalizations involve a drowsy driver. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that 2 out of every 5 drivers admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel.

There are many factors that can contribute to a driver's sleepiness and ultimately increase the risks of car accidents in Sikeston, Kennett, New Madrid or elsewhere in Southeast Missouri. Symptoms of drowsy driving include the inability to keep your head up, having trouble keep your eyes open and focused, drifting from your lane and daydreaming or having disconnected thoughts.

"Many of us tend to underestimate the negative effects associated with fatigue and sleep deprivation and, conversely, overestimate our abilities to overcome them while driving," said Kathleen Marvaso, vice president, AAA Public Affairs. "This data underscores the importance of educating drivers on the simple, yet effective steps they can take to prevent a possible tragedy. Unfortunately, too many drivers have adopted the 'I'm tired, but I can make it' mentality, often to their own peril or to the peril of others."

Too often, motorists think they can fight it off. In reality, a drowsy driver can fall asleep at any time.

"When you are behind the wheel of a car, being sleepy is very dangerous. Sleepiness decreases awareness, slows reaction time, and impairs judgment, just like drugs or alcohol, contributing to the possibility of a crash," said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger. "We need to change the culture so that not only will drivers recognize the dangers of driving while drowsy but will stop doing it."

The AAA Foundation offers you these tips to help you stay alert behind the wheel:

-Travel at times when you are normally alert and awake. Stay overnight while traveling instead of driving straight through.

-Make sure you've had plenty of sleep before starting a long trip.

-Stop driving or pull over if you think you may be getting sleepy. Have someone else drive, if possible.

-Schedule a break at least every 2 hour or every 100 miles to help keep yourself awake.