Drowsy driving is a common cause of car accidents in Grand Forks & Minot, ND. Fatigued and drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. After being awake for 24 hours, it is estimated that you are as impaired as someone with a BAC of .10% (the legal limit for DUI is .08%). Our Grand Forks & Minot personal injury attorneys discuss ways you can prevent fatigue-related accidents in this blog.
Tips for Avoiding Fatigue-Related Accidents in Grand Forks & Minot, ND
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that drowsy driving is preventable. Choosing to get behind the wheel while you are drowsy or fatigued is the same as getting behind the wheel after drinking.
The NHTSA provides tips for avoiding drowsy driving that include:
- Before beginning a long trip, ensure you get a good night’s sleep.
- Get a good night’s sleep each night. Experts state seven to eight hours of sleep each night is required for healthy sleep.
- Avoid driving at the peak of sleepiness periods, which are late afternoon and midnight until 6 a.m.)
- Do not take medications that make you drowsy and then drive.
- Avoid consuming alcohol before driving because it can make you drowsy and impair your driving abilities.
- Share driving responsibilities when driving for long periods.
- Take breaks when driving for long distances. Driving long periods without breaks can increase fatigue.
- Recognize signs of drowsiness and fatigue, including yawning, drifting off to sleep, heavy eyelids, and trouble focusing. Pull over to rest as soon as possible.
- Talk to teens about drowsy driving. Teens do not get enough sleep, making them vulnerable to fatigue-related accidents.
Acknowledging that fatigue and drowsiness can be as dangerous as drunk driving is the first step in reducing the risk of fatigue-related accidents. Taking your sleep habits seriously can protect yourself, your family, and everyone on the road.
Can I Sue a Driver for a Fatigued Driving Accident in Grand Forks & Minot, ND?
North Dakota is a no-fault state for car accident claims. Therefore, your first claim after a fatigue-related accident is with your PIP insurance provider. However, if you meet specific requirements, you can sue a driver for a drowsy driving accident.
To sue a driver for a drowsing driving accident, you must have sustained a serious injury or disfigurement that lasts for more than 60 days, or your medical bills exceed $2,500. In addition, you must prove the other driver caused the accident to win your case. It is doubtful that a driver will admit being tired caused the accident.
Therefore, you need evidence proving how the crash occurred and the other driver’s actions caused the crash. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you gather the evidence to prove causation and fault for a car accident claim.
Learn More During a Consultation with a Grand Forks & Minot Accident Attorney
If a drowsy driver caused your accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Call Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Grand Forks & Minot fatigue-related accident lawyers.
