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Drowsy drivers and the consequences of fatigue

On Behalf of | Jun 6, 2022 | Personal Injury

From the use of alcohol and drugs to distracted driving, you need to keep an eye out for other drivers who have an especially high chance of causing a crash. Most drivers realize the dangers associated with drunk driving, speeding and other behaviors, but some do not understand just how dangerous and prevalent drowsy driving actually is.

Going over data on drowsy driving can help shed light on this serious issue. If you or a loved one sustained an injury in an accident caused by a drowsy driver, take a firm stand for your legal rights.

Statistics on drowsy driving accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration covers drowsy driving, and their estimates suggest that 91,000 traffic accidents reported to law enforcement in 2017 involved drivers suffering from fatigue. NHTSA data also shows that drowsy driving accidents resulted in 50,000 people suffering injuries and almost 800 losing their lives in 2017, based on estimates.

It is vital to note that these statistics are likely underestimated and even more drowsy driving crashes occur.

Risks associated with drowsy driving

Drowsy driving accidents often happen in the late afternoon and from 12 AM to 6 AM. Furthermore, many drowsy driving collisions happen in rural areas. Drivers can become fatigued for a wide variety of reasons, whether they drive for an extended period of time, have difficulty adjusting to a new schedule at work or do not get enough sleep.

Drowsy driving is especially dangerous because it often goes unnoticed and some drivers think they can get behind the wheel even though fatigue will interfere with their driving abilities. If a driver suffering from fatigue caused you to suffer an injury in a car crash, hold them answerable.