When people think of negligence leading to car accidents, they tend to envision drunk drivers or drivers speeding far above the legal limit. In all reality, there are many forms of negligence that can lead to a motor vehicle collision. Drowsy driving has become one of the most serious traffic safety issues here in the United States. If a person drives an automobile when he or she is sleep deprived, it can negatively impact his or her reaction time, vision, and decision-making capabilities. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motor vehicle collision, it is essential to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney to determine liability for your injuries.
Disturbing Drowsy Driving Statistics
The most concerning aspect of drowsy driving as a safety concern is the fact that the vast majority of Americans will drive while overly tired or sleep-deprived. A recent study conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC) concluded that over one-half of all U.S. drivers consistently get behind the wheel while tired. Increasingly concerning is the fact that 20 percent of American drivers admitted to falling asleep while driving at some point within the last year. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents throughout the United States.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving is a factor in over 100,000 police-reported collisions each and every year. Tragically, more than 71,000 individuals suffer injuries in collisions caused by drowsy driving on an annual basis. Of those occupants injured, approximately 1,550 are killed in the collisions. For families impacted by drowsy driving, the injuries to a family member can also come with significant medical expenses.
Does Drowsy Driving Really Impact a Driver?
Driving while drowsy can seriously impact a person’s ability to operate his or her motor vehicle in a safe and responsible manner. Studies show that sleep deprivation can drastically impact a person’s motor skills, including his or her ability to see clearly and appropriately react to a situation. The National Safety Council (NSC) states that a driver who has not slept in 20 consecutive hours is equivalent to a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent, the legal limit for operating while intoxicated (OWI). In short, a driver is three times more likely to get in a dangerous car crash if he or she is fatigued.
Contact an Appleton Car Accident Lawyer
At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., we understand the way in which a car accident can impact you and your entire family. That is why it is critical to contact an attorney right away to ensure a proper investigation is performed while evidence is still fresh. In some cases, your crash may have been caused by a drowsy driver, which is a form of negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle collision, we will do everything in our power to secure the compensation your family needs to cover medical expenses and potential loss of income for a provider. To schedule a free consultation with our knowledgeable Green Bay, WI personal injury attorneys, call our office today at 920-739-7366.
Source:
https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/fatigued-driving#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20National%20Highway,1%2C550%20fatalities%20and%2071%2C000%20injuries.&text=The%20researchers%20suggest%20the%20prevalence,than%20350%25%20greater%20than%20reported.