Drowsiness is something many might associate with nighttime. So, some might assume that being at risk of drowsy driving is something that mainly happens at night. However, a recent study, by SleepJunkie, indicates that it is actually the morning that sees the most fatalities related to drowsy driving here in the United States.
The study reviewed federal data on drowsy driving crash fatalities to look into what time of day saw the most such deaths. It found that the hour of the day in which drowsy-driving-related fatalities were at their highest levels was the 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. hour. The hours that held the No. 2 and No. 3 spots were also morning hours. In fact, they were the hours on both sides of the 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. hour.
Why do you think the morning sees so many drowsy-driving-related deaths? What do you think are the best ways to stay away from drowsy driving in the morning?
While it appears that the morning currently sees the most drowsy driving deaths, it is important for drivers to remember that risk factors for drowsy driving have the potential to come up at any time of the day. So, whatever time of the day a person is thinking of driving, it is important for them to be aware of how awake they are and to not get behind the wheel if they feel they are too tired to drive safely. Whenever it occurs, drowsy driving has the potential to cause great harm.
Skilled attorneys can provide assistance with issues related to seeking compensation to families of individuals who were seriously hurt or killed out on the roads by drivers who got behind the wheel when they were too tired.
Source: USA Today, “Grab coffee before you hit the road: Mornings deadliest for drowsy drivers,” Ryan W. Miller, Oct. 30, 3016
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