At the law office of Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., we hope every Connecticut resident gets to enjoy the holidays safely with their loved ones, whether they are staying in town or traveling out of state. Weather conditions and busy highways are two major hazards you might encounter this winter when traveling to see family, but you might also be in danger from fatigued drivers.
For this reason, the National Sleep Foundation and the National Safety Council have designated this week, November 4 through 11, as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. You can learn all you can about this serious driving hazard just before the hectic holiday season begins.
Like many other drivers, you may have had a close call or two when you nodded off behind the wheel or found yourself having difficulty keeping your eyes open. Drowsy driving is especially dangerous when you are driving long distances, especially when the highway is monotonous and boring. You may want to address the following issues before you begin your holiday trip:
Ensuring you get enough sleep regularly
Getting a full night’s rest the night before your trip
Talking to your doctor about an untreated sleep disorder or medication you regularly take that causes drowsiness
Recognizing the signs of drowsiness behind the wheel, such as crossing the center line, hitting the rumble strip, nodding off or missing exit signs
As you know, you can also be in danger from other drivers who are fatigued or negligent. It can be difficult to determine fault when a driver was suspected to be drowsy, as our page explains, but you may be eligible for compensation after an accident caused by another.
