Many people have heard about drowsy driving accidents, but not everyone knows what makes drowsy driving so risky. Being aware of what causes drowsy driving may also help you avoid these types of accidents in the future. However, if you find yourself in a car accident in New York like this, knowing what steps to take is vital. Missing a step may hurt your chances of compensation. Consider talking to a New York City automobile accident attorney to learn more.

Signs and Causes of Drowsy Driving

There are several signs of drowsy driving that might prevent you from having a serious car accident. Falling asleep at the wheel is the main cause of these accidents. Avoiding this at all costs means knowing when you may have to stop driving.

One of the more obvious signs is excessive yawning or feeling your head fall down every now and again. Other signs of drowsy driving include:

• Blurry vision
  
• Increased blinking
• Spaces in time or zoning out
• Missing your turn or not seeing a sign until the last minute
• Tailgating cars in front of you
• Finding it particularly difficult to drive
• Drifting into other lanes
• Hearing and feeling rumble strips

When you notice a few of these signs, consider pulling off to the side of the road for a power nap. Call someone you can trust who could drive for you. If you have a passenger with you, ask them to take over.

What Makes Drowsy Driving Risky?

Most people already know that the real risk of drowsy driving is falling asleep at the wheel, but this is not the only risk factor. Sleep deprivation has the effects of:

• Decreasing attention span
• Causing poor decision making
• Reducing reaction time

You do not have to fall asleep at the wheel to make drowsy driving dangerous. Lower reaction time and decreased attention span can easily lead to driving errors that cause accidents. All it takes is missing an obstacle on the road or not noticing another driver to have a collision.

When people are sleep-deprived, they are less likely to respond in enough time to avoid an accident. The consequences of drowsy driving are often severe with 37,000 injuries and 886 deaths caused from 2005 to 2009 by drowsy drivers. You may have to deal with various legal issues.

Financial losses can add up and drain your money. You may be dealing with expensive medical bills, car repairs, and other out-of-pocket costs. Try contacting a New York City accident lawyer if you have questions about seeking compensation. A lawyer can also help you defend yourself in court if needed.

New York City Car Accident Attorney

You may not have to deal with the financial aftermath of a car accident alone. Contact the Sullivan and Brill Law Firm by dialing (212) 566-1000 to talk to a New York personal injury lawyer for a free consultation today. Our legal team in Kings County can help you seek compensation for lost income, emotional distress, and medical costs. We are located throughout New York City, Long Island, Kings, Bronx, Queens, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and Rockland Counties, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.