Hectic lifestyles and long work days are just two of the reasons that there are so many drowsy drivers on Texas roads. It just so happens that Texas has more drowsy drivers than any other state. Back in 2016, drowsy driving was responsible for 6,000 crashes nationwide with Texas leading the way, claiming 20 percent of that number. Over 100 of those accidents that year in Texas were fatal.
Understanding why Texas leads the pack
Why does Texas have so many sleepy drivers who cause so many crashes? Many guess it has to do with the high population. However, California boasts a population of 10 million more people than Texas, but only accounted for 5 percent of crashes nationally due to being drowsy.
Another question that is yet to be answered is why are there more drowsy driving deaths happening in rural areas than in urban ones in Texas. There is no clear answer, but it may be due to the long open roads where drivers may not be as alert over a long period of time as city drivers.
Preventing a drowsy driving crash
Because drowsy driving causes so many crashes and fatalities, here are a few ways you can keep yourself from falling into this condition:
- Do not underestimate the importance of sleep. You should get a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night, and teenagers should get at least eight hours.
- Create good sleeping habits. Go to sleep and wake up at the same times each day.
- Never consume alcohol or take any medications that can cause you to be drowsy prior to driving.
- If you know you have a sleep disorder, consult your doctor about effective treatments.
- High-energy drinks and caffeine can increase your level of alertness short-term, but the best solution for fighting drowsiness is to get more sleep.
If you are in an accident where you believe the other driver had fallen asleep or their extreme drowsiness limited their reaction time, you should consult an attorney. Proving drowsy driving may be difficult which is why you need an experienced personal injury professional on your side.
