Drowsy driving is hazardous to motorcyclists. Drowsy drivers, whether in a car or on a motorcycle, are a recipe for a dangerous motorcycle crash. A recent study by the American Automobile Association showed that nearly one in ten car crashes are a result of a drowsy driver and cause eight times more serious accidents. Drowsy driving can also be a problem for motorcyclists.
I’m personal injury attorney Mike Lombardi. Anyone who is sleep deprived and gets behind the wheel of a car or gets on a motorcycle is courting danger. There are many reasons why people drive drowsy.
Reasons why people drive drowsy
Some people have a job that requires long hours of driving. Some take to the road with an inadequate amount of sleep. Some are taking legal or illegal drugs. Some may be intoxicated, and some are simply traveling long hours on a trip.
Drowsy drivers are like drunks
Those driving drowsy and those who have had five hours of sleep or less double the risk of an accident. That’s because their lack of sleep affects their reaction time, vision, tracking, concentration, and coordination. A drowsy driver is like a drunk. You might see them lane drifting or driving sporadically at different speeds.
What you should do about drowsy drivers
Motorcyclists encountering such drivers should stay clear and should not try to pass the vehicle. They need to change their route or stay far behind the drowsy driver. Everyone on the road is a target for a drowsy driver, but those on motorcycles are at a greater risk simply because a motorcycle doesn’t offer the same protection as a car.
Because of that, motorcyclists have to be super vigilant and know how to spot a drowsy driver, especially at night, early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when drowsy driving is most likely to occur.
How to prevent drowsy driving
The way to prevent drowsy driving, whether you’re driving a car or riding a motorcycle, includes taking a break every two hours or every one hundred miles, taking turns, driving with an alert passenger, and taking a 20 minute power nap off the road. It also includes avoiding heavy foods before and during driving, and avoiding any substance or medication that can cause drowsiness.
Drowsy drivers are impaired drivers. Please get enough sleep before you venture out on the road. Unfortunately, accidents do happen even to the most responsible motorcyclists. If you’re a victim of a motorcycle accident, please give me a call or text me at Mike Lombardi Injury Attorneys so we can discuss your case. We want to help you in any way we can.
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