Often times, we think we can do more than we actually can. The human body is capable of many things but sometimes we push ourselves beyond our limits which can lead to injury. To preform even the simplest of tasks, such as driving we need the optimum amount of sleep. However, when we fail to get the necessary amount of sleep, drowsy driving can set in, judgment can be flawed and a car accident can occur. Per the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, “Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.” According to studies, adults need roughly 7-9 hours of sleep in order to maintain the necessary amount of alertness in order to properly operate a vehicle
Being alert while driving is crucial in order to properly operate a vehicle in a safe manner. “According to the National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep in America poll, 60% of Americans have driven while feeling sleepy and 37% admit to actually having fallen asleep at the wheel in the past year.” That statistic is incredibly alarming and can have grave consequences to those that are on the road. To avoid becoming a part of this statistic, here are 10 signs you should look for to determine if you or someone you are riding with is too tired to operate a vehicle safely:
- Issues with focusing, frequent blinking, and your eyelids becoming heavy
- Wandering thoughts or significant daydreaming
- Missing multiple exits or traffic signs
- Having difficulty with remembering the last few miles of the drive
- Repeated yawning or excessive rubbing of your eyes
- Difficulty with keeping your head up and focusing on the road
- Drifting into other lanes or tailgating
- Consistently driving on the rubber strip on the should of the road
- A feeling of restlessness or irritability
- Dozing off or closing your eyes for a substantial period of time
Sometimes we want to power through a long drive or rush to get to somewhere, but that may not always be the safest option. Take the time to properly plan your trip so you have time to stop and rest. Sleep is imperative to the safe operation of a vehicle and should not be taken lightly. So remember, get the proper amount of sleep the night before a long road trip and when you start to notice some of the signs above, pull off, and continue the drive after ample rest. No need to start a vacation with an auto accident. Be safe everyone!
Nicolette R. Nicoletti
Managing Partner
Nicolette R. Nicoletti is the founder and managing partner of the Nicoletti Accident Injury Lawyers. She was born and raised in New Port Richey, Florida. Nicolette attended Genesis Preparatory School and graduated salutatorian of her class. She then went onto Saint Leo University for her undergraduate education. She graduated magna cum laude from the Honors Program with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. While at Saint Leo University, Nicolette was President of Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honor Society), Secretary of Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice Honor Society), and an active member of Delta Epsilon Sigma (National Scholastic Honor Society).
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