If you have been driving for any length of time, it has probably happened to you – that moment when you realize you are drifting off while you are driving. Your eyes feel heavy and you find yourself snapping your head up. That is obviously the opportune time to take the next exit and let someone else drive or check into a motel. Unfortunately, not everyone makes that decision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsiness or fatigue is the principal cause of up to 100,000 passenger vehicle crashes every year, killing at least 1,500 people and injuring 71,000. Many more fatigue-related crashes go unreported as people are hesitant to admit that they were falling asleep at the wheel. You may think that we can blame the majority of those crashes on the semi-truck drivers. Not true. Less than 1 percent of all sleep-related crashes involve truck drivers, who are prohibited, by federal regulation, from driving more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period.
A recent NHTSA study showed that twenty percent of crashes and another twelve percent of near-crashes are the result of drowsy drivers. In the study, 100 vehicles were outfitted with cameras that recorded driver action and reaction. These vehicles were then followed for one year and almost 2 million miles of driving. You may be surprised to find out that the majority of accidents caused by drowsy driving actually happened during the day. Also interesting was that while all other age groups were equally represented in the incidents of drowsy driving, the 18-20 age group was five times more likely to have a fatigue related accident. We can only guess that their inexperience behind the wheel and erratic sleep patterns are factors.
People become drowsy behind the wheel for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they have been working two jobs and just can’t get enough sleep. Maybe they worked all day and are now trying to “drive straight through” to their vacation destination. Often times, cold medication can make someone drowsy without them being aware until it’s too late. So what can you do if you have been the victim in an accident with someone who has been driving while drowsy or fallen asleep at the wheel?
The most important thing you can do is contact an experience California car accident attorney. If you have suffered damages as a result of someone else’s negligence, then you may be due compensation for your injuries. Only an experienced California accident attorney can discuss your case with you and advise you whether you have a valid personal injury claim. That same attorney can explain to you the many steps involved in the legal process as well as answer any questions you may have regarding your personal situation. A car accident can be a terrifying experience and it is normal to feel confused and frustrated after you have been involved in one, but you aren’t alone.
If you have suffered injuries as a result of a car accident and would like an experienced attorney to evaluate your case, contact the law offices of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit us at www.ledgerlaw.com.
