Drowsy Driving is A Serious Danger
Getting enough sleep is important in many ways. Not getting enough sleep is unhealthy and taxing on both the mind and body. Although there is no static number, as sleep needs vary by the individual, doctors typically suggest six hours as a bare minimum. Not getting enough slumber is known as sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation is linked to increased risk of: obesity, diabetes, heart problems, and psychiatric problems. Also, failure to get enough rest increases the risk of being in a motor vehicle accident as it impairs one's senses and physical response time. If one hasn't had enough shut eye, they are a danger behind the wheel because they are placing themselves and others at an unnecessary risk.
Younger drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident when they fail to obtain enough rest. The dulling of senses and detrimental effects of sleep deprivation on physical response time are more pronounced in younger motorists. A recent study indicates drivers under the age of 24 are 20% more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle wreck when they have slept for less than six (6) hours. Crashes involving younger drivers whom are sleep deprived are more likely to occur between the hours of 8pm and 6am. The statistical probability that a sleep deprived vehicle operator will be involved in a collision, remains static when other factors that common contribute to accidents are changed or eliminated. This paints a clear picture: driving without enough sleep is simply dangerous to yourself and others.
In a sample of over 20,000 younger drivers, drivers who had 6 or more hours of sleep had a 6.9% chance of being in an accident over a two-year time span. Comparatively, younger drivers obtaining 6 or fewer hours of sleep had a 9.4% of being involved in an accident during that same time span. Researchers hope that the findings of their study will help curb the injuries and fatalities resulting from these accidents by raising public awareness to the issue.
If you believe that you or a loved one suffers from a disorder resulting in sleep issues, you should consult a physician immediately. Not only is sleep deprivation bad for one's health, it makes one a danger to themselves and others on the road. Younger drivers need to focus on education themselves on the issue, researchers say. Becoming educated on the issue makes it less likely that younger drivers will drive without enough sleep. They will know the dangers. And the dangers are very real- 20% of all car accidents, injures, and deaths involve a driver that was sleep deprived. Getting enough sleep, is clearly more important than most drivers think.
Have you or a loved one suffered injury or death because of a car accident? Call one of the experienced of the Dolman Law group to discuss your legal rights and options. You can contact a Clearwater Accident Lawyer attorney at: 727-451-6900. We are ready and willing to assist you and your family with this important issue.