Drowsy Driving Accident Attorneys in Mobile, AL
The term “drowsy driving” covers a wide range of behaviors. In some cases, people drive while fatigued without even knowing that they are putting themselves and others in danger. In other cases, people know they should not be driving but decide to take their chances anyway. Driving while fatigued may happen due to:
- Fragmented or interrupted sleep the night before
- Insomnia, narcolepsy, and other disorders that interfere with regular sleep
- Long drives that cause mental and physical fatigue
- Sleep aids and certain medications
- The use of alcohol and drugs
- Third shift work that interrupts an individual’s sleep cycles
Drowsy Driving Statistics
The statistics behind drowsy driving are startling and will likely make you think twice about getting behind the wheel when you’re already yawning.
Distracted Driving Accidents
The term “distracted driving” is intentionally vague, designed to capture all the possible ways drivers can split their attention while on the road. As technology evolves, drivers have more and more ways to distract themselves when their mind wanders.
The term “distracted driving” encompasses all current and potential distractions, including:
- Texting or any other use of a phone. This is perhaps the most widespread and egregious form of distraction that motorists face. Texting while driving has grown rapidly as the world has become more connected, leaving people unable to wait a few minutes to reply to messages. Looking away from the road for a fraction of a second can cause a serious or even fatal crash.
- Eating or drinking. In today’s world, everyone is busy. However, eating and drinking is a form of distracted driving, so save the snacks for when you reach your destination.
- Music dials, touchscreen apps, or GPS technology. Many drivers think it takes just a second to change the radio station, double-check their GPS directions, or change the in-vehicle touchscreen display. These are all forms of distracted driving.
- Chatting with passengers is a good way to stay awake during long drives, but this can also distract you. Ensure that your focus is fixed on the road ahead of you and your surroundings.
- Looking for something in the car. Whether you’re looking for your keys or your screaming baby’s dropped toy, looking for a lost item can put you at risk of an accident.
- Smoking splits your mental attention and physical attention, putting you and everyone else on the road in danger.
Keeping Yourself Safe on the Road
While you cannot control how others drive, you can protect yourself from distracted drivers to some extent. Use these tips to keep yourself and your passengers safe:
- Stay aware of your surroundings. If you see another driver checking their phone as they drive by, drop back and put distance between you and them.
- Watch out for signs of distracted driving. A nearby vehicle swerving or randomly changing speeds could be under the control of a distracted driver.
- Maintain proper distance between your car and other vehicles. Even if other drivers are distracted, you can protect yourself by leaving enough distance to react and avoid crashes if other drivers suddenly change lanes or slam the brakes.
- Avoid distractions. You want to protect yourself from other drivers, but make sure that you are not engaging in distracted driving. It’s easy to be lulled into a false sense of security and think that checking your phone takes “just a second.” Consider putting your phone in an unreachable location while you’re driving or allowing a passenger to take over GPS directions for you.
When you call the law firm of Burns, Cunningham & Mackey, P.C., our skilled Alabama drowsy driving accident lawyers will work hard for you. We work on a contingency fee basis, never ask for upfront payment, and always offer consultations free of charge. To schedule your free consultation today, please stop by our Mobile office, send us a message online, or call us at 800-574-4332.