A truck driver in Sandusky County recently died after his rig left the Ohio Turnpike and collided with a median wall. As a result of this accident, the trailer was broken off from the semi-truck and overturned. Three lanes of eastbound traffic in Rice Township were blocked for some time. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
While the Ohio State Highway Patrol is still investigating how the accident occurred, alcohol or drugs are not believed to have played a role in the accident. While the accident might have been caused by a number of factors, I have seen many accidents occur over the years because drivers fell asleep while at the wheel.
Many accidents that occur on the road are the result of drivers becoming too tired to operate their vehicles safely. Statistics even show that driver fatigue is the second most common cause of car accidents.
There are approximately 100,000 accidents that occur each year as a result of driver fatigue. These accidents can result in serious injuries and sometimes they even claim the lives of motor vehicle operators. To reduce the risk of ending up in an accident caused by fatigue, let me review some strategies that you should follow to reduce the chances that you end up falling asleep at the wheel.
- Get Enough Sleep: Do not step into your vehicle unless you are well-rested. When you are low on sleep, your body reacts differently and your responses are delayed. This means that you are much more likely to end up in an accident. An accident that you might be able to avoid if you are well-rested can be life-changing if you are low on sleep.
- Plan Ahead: If you are heading on a long ride, make sure to plan out your route ahead of time. That way you can take your time to reach your destination. By rushing things, you risk ending up behind the wheel while you are low on sleep. This can lead to life-changing accidents before you know it.
- Do Not Drive Alone: There will be no one to jab you or keep you awake if you drive alone. By driving with a partner, you can even take a rest while your friend takes over driving duties. This is one of the best ways to make sure that you reach your destination safely.
- Do Not be Afraid to Take a Nap: If you start to fall asleep at the wheel, you should not hesitate to pull over to the side of the road and rest. Even a quick cat nap can give you enough energy to start driving and reach your destination safely.
- Be Aware of Medications: Taking some types of medications can make you drowsy and lead to deadly accidents. If a medication causes you to become tired, you should not try to use a motor vehicle immediately after taking the medication.
Contact Me Today
As motor vehicle drivers, we are only in control of our safety. This means that you might end up in an accident with a fatigued driver no matter what you do. If someone else is responsible for your accident, do not hesitate to call me 877.944.4373 for a free initial consultation! We will review your options for pursuing compensation. Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
