NJ Workers are the Most Sleep Deprived

Drowsy driving is prevalent in the Northeast, where a large portion of its residents are experiencing a poor night’s sleep. According to a nationwide survey, New Jersey workers are the most sleep-deprived people in America. Many of these individuals are surviving on less than five hours of sleep, which is hardly enough rest to perform at an optimal level throughout the day. Experts point out that a large percentage of New Jersey residents commute into New York City for work. Many of these workers are waking up before 5 a.m. and driving for an hour into the city each morning.

It is no surprise that getting less than six hours of sleep can affect a driver’s reaction time behind the wheel. Research performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows a correlation between drowsy driving crashes and the time of day. Sleepiness behind the wheel can result in a car crash regardless of the time of day, but most drowsy driving crashes are occurring between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late afternoon, both when dips in a driver’s circadian rhythm are likely to occur. Furthermore, according to the National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep in America poll, 60 percent of Americans have driven while feeling sleepy and 37 percent admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel.

Signs of Drowsy Driving

• Difficulty focusing on the road due to heavy eyelids and frequent blinking
• Trouble keeping your head up
• Missing exits or traffic signs due to an inability to focus
• Difficulty operating your vehicle, drifting from your lane, and hitting a shoulder or median strip
• Daydreaming and experiencing wandering thoughts
• Feeling irritable and restless behind the wheel

In 2015, there were 824 fatalities recorded in the NHTSA’s database that were related to drowsy driving, and 4,121 accidents due to drowsy driving between 2011 to 2015. Unfortunately, these accident reports related to fatigued driving have remained consistent.

Tips to Avoid Drowsy Driving

• Make it a priority to obtain eight hours of sleep each night
• Avoid drinking alcohol the night before a long commute
• Stay vigilant for signs of drowsiness when driving during peak sleep hours
• Use public transportation when possible
• Drive with another passenger who can watch for signs of drowsiness

Camden Car Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Represent Victims of Drowsy Driving Accidents

Please contact DiTomaso Law if you have been involved in a car accident related to drowsy driving. Dealing with the aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming and stressful. Our experienced Camden car accident lawyers are available to assist you and your family during this trying time. For a free consultation, call us at 856-414-0010 or contact us online. With offices in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients from the surrounding areas.