Early Morning Classes Can Result in More Car Accidents For Teenagers
A recent article in US News and World Report brought to light some interesting research concerning traffic safety. A study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Sleep Societies found a correlation between early classes and auto accidents with teenage drivers. The data suggests that the lack of sleep hinders teenage drivers' alertness and driving precision on their commute to morning classes. The study’s author, Dr. Robert Vorona, an associate professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School, said that the amount of sleep teenagers receive often depends on the time they wake up in the morning. In light of the study’s findings, he suggests that high schools consider starting the day later.
Teenagers’ biological clocks work differently than adults’
Dr. Barbara Phillips, of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, agrees with Dr. Vorona’s recommendations. Dr. Phillips asserts that teenagers tend to go to bed later than adults no matter how early they woke up. She stated that teenagers are biologically programmed to wake up and become sleepy later than adults. This makes waking up at 7:30 AM to get to class on time extremely difficult. Consequently, their alertness and reaction speed while behind the wheel is severely hampered.
Drowsy driving can hinder every driver’s ability
Although teenagers are more prone to drowsy driving in the early morning, adults are certainly not exempt from sleep deprivation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, police report over 100,000 car accidents every year that are the result of drowsy driving. These accidents lead to over 1,400 deaths and an additional 68,000 injuries.
Drowsy driving can have severe consequences, potentially leading to a fatal accident. Adults who sleep between six and seven hours per night are twice as likely to fall asleep at the wheel and crash their vehicles than adults who sleep at least eight hours each night. If you become drowsy while driving, pull over at a safe location and take a quick nap in your car before continuing your commute.
Sleep deprivation is no excuse for negligent driving
Drowsy drivers are a dangerous threat to Utah’s roads. If you have suffered injuries in a Salt Lake City Utah car accident caused by drowsy driving, you are entitled to a full and just settlement. You may benefit from hiring the best Utah personally injury lawyer to represent you in the legal arena. The expert attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm offer superlative legal representation to accident victims along the Wasatch Front and will diligently work on your case. Together, we can ensure you receive justice for your accident. For a free consultation on your legal rights, contact us at 801.506.0800. You can also request a FREE copy of the Utah accident book, authored by attorney Kenneth Christensen, founder of the Christensen Law Firm, for detailed information on how to handle your accident case. To request your copy, visit www.utahaccidentbooks.com
