Drowsy driving is a serious problem in Texas and other states, so it’s important that drivers look into ways to avoid it. Drowsy driving occurs most often when people don’t get enough sleep before driving, but it can also be a result of boredom, daydreaming and side effects from medications.
It’s essential for people in Texas to take their actions seriously when they drive. When you’re behind the wheel, you’re driving a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds and that could cause serious injuries to anyone it hits. It’s appropriate to make sure you’re as alert as possible before you get behind the wheel.
Drowsy driving is an epidemic in America
Drowsy driving happens more than you may think. In fact, around a third of adults in the United States get less than seven hours of sleep a day, which means that they could be driving while sleep-deprived.
Drowsy driving can also be linked to sleep disorders, drinking alcohol, taking new medications and shift work. In any case, it puts people’s lives at risk when a driver is impaired by a lack of sleep.
Texas sees its fair share of drowsy drivers
In 2019, around 9,198 crashes happened in Texas as a result of fatigued drivers, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. That means that more than 25 crashes happen each day in the state only because people have sleep-related issues and decided to get behind the wheel.
Out of those incidents, 501 were suspected to be serious, and 172 were fatal.
It’s possible to find solutions to drowsy driving
There are ways to address drowsy driving, such as:
- Pulling over and taking a nap when you feel tired when driving
- Drinking a caffeinated beverage to wake up
- Getting more sleep at night
- Going through a sleep study to identify issues that may be causing drowsiness
These and other options can help you be safer on the road by reducing the risk of driving while drowsy.
Our hearts go out to those who are hurt or the families of those who have been killed in drowsy driving accidents. There are steps you can take to seek personal injury compensation if this happens to you.