The summer months can be a great time to take vacations, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with family and friends. However, people should be aware that they may face an increased risk of injury during the summer, especially when they are driving. Nothing can ruin a vacation like a car accident, since a serious collision can result in multiple types of severe injuries to a vehicle’s driver and passengers, as well as extensive property damage to a vehicle and any objects it is carrying. Drowsy driving is one issue that often leads to motor vehicle accidents during the summer, and victims of these types of collisions will need the legal help of an attorney to determine how they can receive financial compensation.
Dangers of Drowsy Driving in the Summer
While fatigued drivers may cause accidents at any time of year, people are often more likely to drive while drowsy during the summer months. This can occur when people are taking road trips and spending long periods of time behind the wheel, and lack of sleep can affect someone’s ability to drive safely. Drivers may also become drowsy after participating in activities that involve physical exertion, such as hiking, swimming, or playing sports. Dehydration is another issue that can lead to driver fatigue, and it often occurs when people spend time outdoors in the sun.
Fatigue can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to drive safely. Drowsiness will lead to slower reaction times, and this may cause a person to be unable to act quickly enough to avoid colliding with another vehicle, an obstacle in the road, or a pedestrian. Drowsiness also affects a person’s ability to concentrate, and this may cause them to miss important details, such as a sudden movement by another vehicle or a motorcycle traveling on the road near them. If fatigue causes a person to nod off momentarily, they may travel a significant distance with their eyes closed, which is highly likely to cause a dangerous collision.
Drivers should always be aware of any issues that may affect their ability to drive safely. If a person is feeling tired or sleepy, they should avoid driving until they have rested, and if necessary, they may need to pull over and take a short nap. While some people may try to stay awake by drinking coffee, driving with their windows rolled down, or playing loud music on the radio, these methods will usually only provide a false sense of security rather than addressing the dangerous effects of fatigue. Drivers who have been awake for a long time should also avoid drinking alcohol or using medications that may make them more drowsy.
Contact Our Green Bay, WI Drowsy Driving Accident Attorneys
Following a car accident, the attorneys of Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. can investigate the case and gather evidence demonstrating that a driver acted negligently. We will act quickly to preserve all evidence, including statements from people who witnessed the accident, security camera or traffic camera footage, police reports, and recordings of calls to 911. To make sure you can receive compensation for your injuries and damages, contact our Appleton car accident lawyers at 920-739-7366 and set up a free consultation today.
Sources:
https://www.deseret.com/2017/6/14/20614199/wake-up-drowsy-driving-fatalities-spike-during-summer-months
https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/fatigued-driving
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving