Nevada Automobile Accidents As A Result Of Sleep Deprivation
Not getting a sufficient amount of sleep can negatively affect the brain and motor skills. Sleep deprivation can happen for many reasons. Being overworked at a job, dealing with family or relationship issues, or even being sick. Whatever the case, driving while sleep deprived can lead to motor vehicle accidents.
What Is Sleep Deprivation?
Sleep deprivation is a fairly simple concept. It is what happens to the body when one is deprived of the proper amount of sleep needed. Sleep deprivation can be caused by general life stresses, but can also occur with higher frequency if someone has a sleep disorder or other medical condition. Sleep deprivation can cause a number of issues for the person experiencing it, such as:
- Slower reaction times when having to make sudden decisions
- Impaired thinking
- Reduced focus on the road
- Falling asleep at the wheel
It can often be difficult to tell if one is sleep deprived. After being awake for an excessive period of time it is possible that the normal symptoms do not show and one can be tricked into thinking they are fit to drive. The following are some signs to look for if you think you or someone you love is suffering from sleep deprivation:
- Yawning
- Inability to keep eyes open
- Slurred speech
- “Nodding off”
- Difficulty remembering things
- Swerving into other lanes or off the road
- Missing turns, road signs or traffic signals
Preventing Sleep Deprivation
The simplest way to reduce the amount of motor vehicle accidents that occur while sleep deprived is to not drive if you don’t feel that you have had enough sleep. In 2013 alone, 72,000 automobile accidents occurred as a result of someone driving while tired. A few tips to prevent sleep deprivation are:
- Get the proper amount of rest each night, (adults generally require at least seven hours of sleep each night)
- Develop healthy sleeping habits by going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day
Avoid consuming foods or beverages that make you drowsy if you are going to drive shortly after
If you think you may have a sleeping disorder, contact your doctor immediately to get the proper treatment
Contacting A Personal Injury Lawyer In Nevada
Even with simple tips to prevent sleep deprivation, accidents may still occur. Our personal injury law firm understands the many risks involved with drowsy driving. Our firm has decades of legal experience and thousands of satisfied clients. We have won over a quarter of a billion dollars for injured clients in the state of Nevada. We forge strong relationships with attorneys and judges which allow us to be successful. If you or someone you love was injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact The Cottle Firm today at 702) 722-6111.
