As Risky as Drinking and Driving, Drowsy While Driving

Everyone on the road is at risk for serious or deadly injuries when drowsy drivers operate vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released data showing that over 630 people died in vehicle accidents as a result of drowsy driving in a single year.

The effects of these tragic catastrophes on the victims and their families are extremely real. Even non-fatal accidents cause severe injuries and permanently disabling conditions in victims. Contact a personal injury attorney and set up a free consultation now if a drowsy driver injured you or a member of your family. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including medical expenses and lost wages.

Why Is Drooling While Driving Dangerous?

Lack of sleep before getting behind the wheel can be risky for everyone on the road. Even overtired drivers have the potential to engage in unsafe or reckless behavior because of impaired cognitive function, just like drowsy drivers who may fall asleep behind the wheel. Drivers who lack sleep exhibit slow reaction times, poor judgment, and diminished situational awareness.

Driving while fatigued can have similar consequences to driving while intoxicated. Drivers who are drowsy may not be able to stop in time, swerve suddenly, or escape a collision in other ways. Any driver who nods off at the wheel has a high risk of colliding with another car or a fixed object like a tree or telephone pole. 

Who Is Prone to Drowsy Driving?

Anyone can drive while feeling fatigued, but some people are more at risk than others due to their lifestyle or line of work.

Others experience fatigue as a result of taking specific drugs. Drivers who don’t get enough sleep may also operate vehicles while feeling sleepy. Anyone who drives without getting enough sleep puts themselves and other drivers in danger, whether it is due to traveling too far in one day, caring for a newborn awake all night, or working late on homework or a project.

How a Lawyer Can Assist You Following a Drowsy Driving Accident?

After a collision caused by drowsy driving, a lawyer can assist you in various ways, starting at the scene. Immediately following the accident or in the following days and weeks, you can contact a personal injury attorney. Your situation can be evaluated, your legal alternatives can be discussed, and you can be guided through suing the at-fault motorist for damages.