Drowsy driving is just as risky as drunk driving.
Early-Morning Accident Shuts Down I-37 After Wrong-Way Driver Crashes Into 18-Wheeler
According to a KSAT News report, an early-morning accident shut down the interstate today.
Police reported the accident happened at around 4:30 a.m. on August 22nd, on I-37 South near Braunig Lake. Police reported the driver swerved in front of the 18-wheeler for unknown reasons, hitting it head-on. The impact caused the vehicle to roll over, and the driver was critically injured and transported to a local hospital. The driver of the 18-wheeler was not harmed, and no other vehicles appeared to be involved in the crash. Police reported alcohol did not contribute to this accident. Southbound lanes were redirected while police cleaned up the accident. The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
Roughly 29,834 people died in drowsy driving accidents between 2017 and 2021 in the U.S.
Drowsy Driving Accidents in San Antonio: What You Need to Know
Drowsy driving kills thousands of people every year.
When we get behind the wheel, it’s critical that we’re in good health and fully alert to avoid accidents. Many people don’t realize how dangerous drowsy driving is and how much being overtired affects your ability to drive.
The fall season is right around the corner, and the sun will begin rising later and setting earlier soon. It’s critically important to review what actions you take to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.
How to Avoid Falling Asleep While Driving
It’s not always possible to avoid driving during peak tiredness hours (midnight to 6 a.m.), but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of falling asleep at the wheel:
- Check Your Medications — Make sure you’re not taking anything that can cause drowsiness. If you are, consider taking an Uber or public transportation during peak tiredness hours.
- Take a 15-Minute Power Nap — If getting solid rest isn’t an option, pull over and take a 15-minute power nap. Brief periods of sleep like this can actually improve alertness better than napping for 1 hour or more.
- Say No to Sugar and Alcohol — Eating lots of sugar or drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly increase fatigue. Choose lighter, vitamin-rich foods before a late-night or early-morning drive.
- Drink Coffee or an Energy Drink — Caffeine is a short-term fix that doesn’t help everyone but can be incredibly effective at helping you stay alert.
Signs That You’re In Danger of Falling Asleep While Driving
Many people have experienced micro-sleeps while at the wheel, sometimes lasting up to 5 seconds. At highway speeds, you can travel an incredibly dangerous distance in this short time period.
Signs that you are in danger of falling asleep at the wheel include:
- Excessive Yawning,
- Drifting In and Out of Your Lane
- Forgetting the Last Few Miles You Drove,
- Experiencing Disconnected Thoughts,
- And Hitting a Rumble Strip.
If you notice any of these signs, you are putting your life in danger by continuing to drive. Instead, pull over and take a brief nap to get going again.
Were You Injured by a Drowsy Driver in San Antonio? Call Shaw.
Drowsy drivers cause serious accidents all across America. If you were injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Medical Bills,
- Lost Work,
- Property Damage,
- Pain and Suffering,
- And More.
Call Shaw to find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with one of our auto accident attorneys. We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with our firm.