You may not realize this because it is not in the news as often, but drowsy driving is similar to drunk driving, statistically speaking. In fact, if you have been awake for 20 hours and are behind the wheel, your reaction time is roughly the same as if you have a 0.08% blood alcohol count. (Source: National Safety Council)
But depending on your individual situation, you can feel too fatigued to drive long before the 20 hour mark. And when you are overtired, you can experience slower reaction times and momentary lapses in judgment. Unfortunately, just a single moment of inattention can cause an accident that can change your life. That is why it is so important not only to stay sober behind the wheel, but to remain alert in all ways, including feeling wide awake while driving.
Drowsy Driving Statistics
Driving is one of those activities that we think we can handle even if we are tired. After all, we drive every day and it is second nature. But people don’t realize that there are hundreds of events we need to react to every mile we drive – from traffic lights to pot holes to people crossing the street. You may think drowsy driving is not that big of a deal, but look at these statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and AAA.
- There are approximately 100,000 drowsy driving accidents reported annually.
- However, it is estimated by AAA that the real number is closer to 328,000
- Not even including damage to property, drowsy driving costs Americans $109 billion dollars per annum,
- According to a poll taken about the subject, 4% of drivers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at least once in the last month.
Car Accidents Caused by Drowsy Motorists
When a motorist is fatigued, they are more likely to make a mistake on road, such as veering into another lane or off the road, make an improper or illegal turn, or fail to notice another car in the vicinity. While you may not think that driving while drowsy is a crime, it is legally considered to negligence if you cause an accident or any harm. That means if you are found guilty of drowsy driving after an accident, you may be responsible for losses and injuries of the other party.
How do you know if you are too tired to drive? Drowsy drivers tend to exhibit many of the same symptoms, such as:
- Drifting across lane barriers
- Head bobbing and nodding off
- Difficulty keeping one’s eyes open
- Missing road signs or driving past exits or turns
If you were the injured party due to another person’s negligence, their insurance company will be liable to pay for your injuries and costs after your insurance company pays out on your policy. (read about no-fault car insurance here.) If the negligent party did not have valid insurance at the time of the accident – or not enough coverage to cover your injuries – you can file an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. To recover compensation and damages, you will be required to prove the defendant driver’s fatigue was the cause of the accident. Before negotiating with any insurance company, you have the right to consult an attorney who can help to throuoghly and professionally investigate the details of the accident, giving you your best chance at recovery.
Proving that your injuries were caused by drowsy driving can be a complex process, but you can trust the personal injury attorneys at Probinsky & Cole to be with you every step of the way. Call today to learn more.
