Drowsy Driving Dangers
With busy lives and hectic schedules, many of us are forced to occasionally sacrifice getting a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, this can end up having a serious impact on driving abilities, increasing car accident risks. At Bednarz Law, with our combined 60 years in representing accident victims in the Nashville area, we know the serious and potentially life threatening injuries that can occur as the result of these types of crashes and collisions. We make it our goal to help those injured in drowsy driving accidents get the compensation they need to recover from their injuries.
The Facts about Drowsy Driving
Working night or swing shifts, being a student and studying for exams, being a new parent, and going to nightclub or taverns as a hobby with friends can all impact your ability to get the proper amount of sleep you need at night. Unfortunately, it can also increase your car accident risks, making you a danger to yourself and others on the road.
According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 83,000 drowsy driving accidents occur each year in the U.S. Crash reports indicate these accidents injure close to 40,000 people and prove fatal for more than 800 others. Even at these alarming numbers, the NHTSA warns that with no definitive testing to prove when a crash or collision is caused by a drowsy driver, there is a good chance these figures likely underestimate the problem. The NHTSA claims that additional surveys and studies on driving behavior indicate these accidents may actually be even more common, injuring as many as half a million drivers and passengers each year.
The Impacts of Being Tired Behind the Wheel
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that in addition to lifestyle issues, taking medications, being sick, or suffering from insomnia can also leave drivers sleepy and less alert. Regardless of the reasons, the risk involved with drowsy driving rival those of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In addition to increasing the likelihood of falling asleep behind the wheel, the CDC claims that being excessively tired or fatigued has the following impacts on driving abilities:
- Increases driver distraction, making you less able to maintain concentration and focus on the road;
- Slows your reflexes and reaction times in the event you have to stop or maneuver suddenly in response to road or traffic conditions;
- Impacts judgment and your ability to make sound decisions, increasing the likelihood of reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, and disregarding traffic signals.
Do You Suspect Drowsy Driving Played a Role in Your Car Accident?
If you suffer injuries as the result of a crash or collision and suspect drowsy driving may have played a role, call or contact our Nashville car accident attorneys online. Representing residents of Nashville for over 30 years, Bednarz Law provides the aggressive legal representation you need to get the compensation you deserve. Request a consultation with our Tennessee car accident attorneys to discuss your case today.
