Chicago Accident Lawyer Highlights High Rate of Drowsy Drivers in New AAA Study
Jan 11, 2012
Chicago, IL (Law Firm Newswire) January 10, 2012 – Almost a third of drivers admit to driving while drowsy, a new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported. Its study showed that 17 percent of all accidents a year, including 5000 fatalities, were caused by drowsy driving.
“Do not overestimate your ability to stay awake when you are feeling drowsy and nodding off at the wheel,” said Chicago accident lawyer Paul Greenberg, Esq. “What you should do is get off the road and get some rest when you feel this way.”
One in eight accidents caused by drowsy drivers sent people to the hospital and one in six people died in these types of accidents. To combat drowsiness, drivers often try opening the windows and turning up the radio, but these strategies help, if at all, only for so long. Drivers who have missed hours of sleep, used sedating medications, or consumed alcohol should be aware that their chances of crashing are even higher.
“Closing your eyes for even five seconds can cause a serious auto accident,” said Greenberg. “If your head starts to nod, your eyelids feel heavy, and you can’t stop yawning, pull off the road in a safe area and call a friend or family member.”
The National Sleep Foundation reports that 13 percent of individuals drive drowsy at least once a month. The peak times for drowsy driving accidents are from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., midnight to 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:00 a.m. Individuals should be proactive when they are concerned that they may become tired while driving. Having a companion in the car helps, as does stopping every few hours to stretch or taking a 15 minute nap if needed.
Victims of drowsy driving accidents can get legal representation to have the responsible party’s insurance company cover medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and other accident-related costs. To learn more about the Chicago accident attorney Paul Greenberg, visit http://www.briskmanandbriskman.com or call 877-595-HURT (4878).
Briskman Briskman & Greenberg
351 West Hubbard Street, Ste 810
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312.222.0010
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