Driving while drowsy on New Jersey roads can put people in danger. Individuals should not drive after taking prescription sleep aids as it could increase their risk of being too groggy to do so safely. It is also important to point out that driving after being awake for 24 straight hours is like driving with a blood alcohol level of .10%. That is higher than the legal limit of .08% in most states.
Those who are planning on driving should have at least seven or eight hours of sleep prior to doing so. However, if a person is still tired after sleeping for several hours, it may be a good idea to be evaluated for a sleep disorder. Getting adequate sleep can be especially helpful prior to a trip that may take several hours to complete. It is a good idea to take a break every two hours even when fully alert.
Driving with another person may also be a good idea. He or she may be able to handle driving duties if an individual becomes too tired to operate a motor vehicle safely. Having another person in the car may also make it easier for a driver to determine when it is time to let the passenger take over behind the wheel.
Drowsy drivers who end up in car crashes will likely be deemed negligent in doing so. This is important as it may entitle a victim to compensation for medical bills and other expenses. There may be several signs that a driver was drowsy at the time of a crash. For instance, that person may not have slowed down or otherwise tried to avoid the accident. Drivers may also be unresponsive in the aftermath of a crash because of extreme fatigue.