Driving in a drowsy state can be regarded as harmless behavior but Drowsy Driving in Florence, SC is one of the most neglected issues in roads. Fatigue-related crashes have resulted in untold injuries and deaths in Florence and the entire state of Florida. Knowing the reasons why the driving phenomenon in drowsiness happens and how one can avoid it will save lives.

What Is Drowsy Driving?

Drowsy driving is an act when a driver is driving his vehicle whilst sleepy or exhausted. It is as hazardous as drunken driving since exhaustion causes slowness of the reaction time, loss of concentration and inability to make decisions.

A lot of drivers do not know the impact of fatigue easily because they think that they can encounter fatigue with coffee or loud music. The only thing is that it is useless, because these methods can only postpone something, the necessity to rest by the body.

Causes of Drowsy Driving

Fatigue behind the wheel is caused by a number of reasons:

• Sleep deprivation: Seven or nine hours of sleep every night is recommended to adults.
• Night workers: Commercial drivers are particularly susceptible to long work shifts.
• Medications: some of the prescription and over-the-counter medicine make people drowsy.
• Sleep disorders: Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea may cause the drivers to be exhausted despite taking a break.
• Long way routes: Long journeys on highways may cause highway hypnosis.

The impact of Drowsy Driving on Safety

Sleep deprivation lowers the levels of responding to road conditions by a driver to a drastic point. Research indicates that 18 hour wakefulness impairs the same as a blood alcohol test of 0.05.

Cases of drowsy driving symptoms include:

• Missing road signs or turns
• Drifting from the lane
• Problem with remembering the few last miles covered.

The Impact on Florence, SC

The roadways along Florence serve the main travel routes such as the I-95 and I-20 which have high commercial truck and commuter traffic. These are very long roads, which expose drivers, who are on duty as well as those who use them daily, to fatigue. There have been numerous fatal accidents according to local law enforcement involving drowsiness.

Preventing Drowsy Driving

Individual responsibility and realization is all that is needed in order to prevent fatigue-induced accidents:

• Resting: Have driving breaks after every two hours.
• Do not drive and take sleeping drugs.
• Go with a friend: he or she will be free to participate in the driving and keep you awake.
• Have a rest when you feel weary: Sometimes even a minute or two will open your eyes.

Legal Implications and Liability

South Carolina has a law that allows an injured person to sue a driver in case of an accident due to the negligence of the driver. Fatigue cannot leave any evident physical trace, such as alcohol, but investigators can rely on the accident report, working schedule or witness testimonies to prove negligence.

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Vehicle repair costs
• Suffering of the soul and body.
• Moving Toward Safer Roads

Conclusion 

All drowsy driving can be prevented. The decision of Florence drivers to take rest instead of risking the road operations in the area can make the local roads safer to all. Do you know, I always like to be late rather than not to arrive at all. Being awake and getting plenty of sleep not only keeps you safe, but all others who are on the road.