The summer holidays are over and it is time for kids to go back to school. With earlier alarm calls and busier roads to contend with, you may notice that some other drivers are not as focused as they should be when driving. Drowsy driving is believed to increase at the start of the school year because both parents and kids are readjusting to getting up earlier and not getting enough sleep.
Teen drivers, especially, may find it difficult to get back into the routine of sleeping earlier in preparation for the school day. However, parents who now have a school run in addition to making it to work on time are also feeling the pressure. Drowsy drivers on our roads account for an estimated 328,000 accidents each year. The cause of these accidents may range from a driver losing focus to nodding off behind the wheel.
Parents of Teens
Parents of teen drivers can help prevent accidents by having a discussion about drowsy driving. There are common signs you can look for that may indicate being too tired to drive. The first sign of drowsy driving is loss of focus and concentration. This can manifest in a number of ways, such as eyes that feel heavy or an inability to hold your head up while driving. Other signs of drowsy driving include swerving or drifting into neighboring lanes, missing exits and traffic signs or feeling restless and agitated while driving.
It is important to encourage routine when it comes to study and sleep. If a teen leaves study until late in the evening, he or she may not get enough sleep. It is also difficult to wind down when the brain is overly stimulated in the evening. If a teen is feeling tired in the morning, it is better to leave the car at home and take the bus.
Working Parents
As a working parent, you have a lot of tasks to juggle every day. If you are responsible for bringing children to school, you may find yourself pushed for time in the mornings. Recommended sleep for adults is at least seven hours a night. When the kids are back at school, you may need to factor in getting up earlier than you have been over the summer.
Make sure that you get enough sleep and are not rushed on your commute to school or work. Drowsy driving can cause heightened agitation and aggression, which isn’t a good mix when you are responsible for getting your kids to school safely. It is also important to remember that there will be an increased number of kids crossing roads now that school is back in session. All drivers need to ensure that they are able to focus and respond to potential hazards.
A crash due to drowsy driving can result in serious injuries or fatalities. If you have been hurt in an accident in Tampa, Florida or surrounding areas, Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law can offer legal consultation. Call today to learn more.
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