August 19, 2024

Car Accidents

As we approach the end of August, students in Virginia will be returning to school and settling into their academic schedules. That is often easier for some students than others. It is not uncommon for both students and parents to struggle to keep up with a new, early morning schedule after enjoying the “lazy days of summer.” Unfortunately, early morning starts and increased school, sports, and other extracurricular activities can negatively impact how rested parents and students feel. Energy levels may not be where they need to be, especially when it comes to driving. Parents, college students, and high school students may be at an increased risk of being involved in a drowsy driving crash.

A Virginia Beach car accident attorney can help you get the financial compensation you deserve if you or a loved one has been injured.

Sleep Schedules

Older students who balance school, studying, work, and social life often burn the candle at both ends. Parents of young children may also find that getting enough rest escapes them as they rush through morning routines, going to work, getting dinner, helping with homework, baths, and bedtimes.

Hectic schedules impact the number of hours we sleep, creating a potential danger on the road. Studies show that driving on less than the recommended eight hours of sleep every night is just as dangerous as getting behind the wheel after having several drinks. When a person has been awake longer than 18 hours straight, the effects are the same as if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08, the level that would likely result in a drunk driving arrest.

When a person is driving while fatigued, the effects include:

  • Increased risk of being distracted
  • Lack of coordination
  • Poor judgment
  • Reduced reaction times
  • Vision disturbance, such as blurred vision or seeing double

How to Prevent Drowsy Driving Car Accidents

National statistics reveal that drowsy driving is a factor in at least 10 percent of all vehicle crashes. Even more alarming is that one out of every 25 drivers admits that they have fallen asleep while driving at least once in the prior 30 days of being surveyed.

Many drivers who find themselves tired when they get behind the wheel of the car think that if they listen to loud music, drink coffee, and open the window for fresh air, they will feel more awake. However, these activities will not decrease the risks – or the danger – these drivers have of being involved in a crash because they are not alert enough to be driving. Drivers who feel fatigued should avoid driving until they have gotten some rest, just as a driver who has been drinking should avoid driving until the effects of the alcohol have worn off.

Call Our Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured in a crash caused by a fatigued driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Virginia Beach car accident lawyers and find out what legal recourse you may have. Our firm is committed to getting our clients the damages they deserve, which is why we have obtained more than $100 million in settlement and verdicts.

 

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