Driving while tired in New York is akin to driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol. This is because fatigue can erode your ability to process information and react to it in a timely manner.
The sobering facts about drowsy driving
If you drive while tired, you are three times more likely to be involved in a car accident. If you drive after going without sleep for 20 or more hours, you are as impaired as a person with a blood alcohol content of .08. This is the legal blood alcohol limit in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
You might not even notice that you’re tired
It is possible that you will fall asleep multiple times throughout your next trip to work, school or the grocery store. However, you will typically only stay asleep for four to five seconds at a time, which means that you won’t necessarily think that anything is wrong. It is worth noting that you can travel the equivalent of a football field over the course of five seconds.
How to avoid drowsy driving
While drowsy driving can be dangerous, there are ways that you can minimize the risks of doing so. For instance, you should aim to get at least seven hours of sleep per night. If you take medication, be sure that you are allowed to drive after taking it. It can be a good idea to ask a doctor or pharmacist about any side effects your medication may have. In the event that your vehicle has crash avoidance technology, make sure to keep it activated. A car may able to stop on your behalf to avoid an accident if it senses a collision is imminent.
If you are involved in a car accident that was caused by a negligent driver, it may be possible to obtain a financial settlement. In most cases, drowsy or fatigued driving is considered to be an act of negligence. An attorney may also help you obtain a favorable financial award from a jury.
