If you feel very tired, it is pivotal to avoid driving if you are unable to focus on the road. Every year, many drivers get behind the wheel even though they did not get enough sleep or suffer from fatigue for some other reason. This puts lives in danger, and when drowsy driving accident victims suffer as a result of another driver’s carelessness, they deserve justice.
In order to understand how widespread this problem is, as well as the risks that cause drowsy driving and the impact of these accidents, it is helpful to take a closer look at statistics.
Data on drowsy driving accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that almost 800 people died and, according to estimates, 50,000 suffered injuries as a result of drowsy driving accidents during 2017. Over the course of 2017, law enforcement officials received reports of 91,000 accidents that involved drowsy drivers.
Statistics reveal that many drowsy driving accidents happen in rural locations. More of these types of accidents take place between 12 AM and 6 AM, as well as in the late afternoon than other times of the day.
Risk factors associated with drowsy driving
The NHTSA outlines a number of risk factors associated with drowsy driving. Alcohol, as well as certain medications, can result in drowsiness. Failing to get enough sleep causes many drivers to become fatigued, especially before a long journey. Working long hours and driving very late at night or early in the morning also prevents many drivers from giving their full attention to the road.
If a drowsy driver caused an accident that left you injured, explore your options with an experienced personal injury attorney.