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2019 drowsy driving statistics show that 23.6 percent of surveyed respondents said simply being tired meant it was too dangerous to drive. By gender, 32.9 percent of men and 22.2 percent of women were more likely to have fallen asleep at the wheel.

Approximately 33.5 percent of respondents 65 or older reported having fallen asleep at the wheel at least once in their lifetime. By gender, 32.9 percent of men and 22.2 percent of women were more likely to have fallen asleep at the wheel.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that this is a year-round problem. On any given day, sleepiness can affect all types of crashes at all times, but most frequently occur between midnight and 6:00 a.m., or in the late afternoon. 

USA Today reported drowsy driving is an epidemic. Tired drivers are causing 8 times as many crashes as originally thought. The AAA Foundation statistics showed that 1 in 10 crashes in the U.S. are caused by sleepy drivers and kill several thousands of people on our roadways every year. 

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) provides the following signs that should tell a driver to stop and rest:

• Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
• Daydreaming, wandering/disconnected thoughts
• Trouble remembering the last few miles are driven missing exits or traffic signs
• Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes
• Trouble keeping your head up
• Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting a shoulder rumble strip
• Feeling restless and irritable

Drowsy driving is dangerous because sleep deprivation can have similar effects on the body as drinking alcohol. Being awake for 18 hours straight makes one drive like he or she has a blood-alcohol level of 0.05 (0.08 is considered drunk), according to NSF. 

Drowsy driving can be prevented. NHTSA urges drivers to do the following:

• Get enough sleep. Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a day, while teens need at least 8 hours.
• Develop good sleeping habits, such as sticking to a sleep schedule.
• If you have a sleep disorder or have symptoms of a sleep disorder, such as snoring or feeling sleepy during the day, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking medications that make you sleepy. Be sure to check the label on any medications or talk to your pharmacist.

“We urge all drivers to refrain from driving if they feel drowsy and/or show any of the above signs of being drowsy. We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. have assisted those who have been injured because of drowsy-driver accidents and have seen the devastation caused to families and friends of those affected. Please contact our experienced legal team 24/7. There are no costs or attorney fees unless we receive monetary recovery for you,” said Naples Personal Injury Lawyer Randall Spivey.

Naples Personal Injury Lawyer Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%)t of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact  Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.