Most everyone knows the dangers of drunk drivers or even distracted drivers. However, people generally ignore an equally pervasive problem of drowsy or sleepy drivers. A short internet search reveals studies showing that motorists who drive with less than 5 hours of sleep are approximately twice as likely to be in an automobile accident as compared to those who get 7 or more hours of sleep. Drivers should be aware that if they get less sleep they are more likely have an accident.
It is startling that drivers that have gotten less than 4 hours of sleep a night, have 4 times the number of car accidents. AAA suggests that anyone who has slept less than 7 hours over a 24 hour period should not drive a vehicle.
Research has also shown that nearly one fifth of the car accidents that result in death in the United States involve a drowsy driver. This frightening percentage comes from the fact that about thirty-five thousand people died in car accidents in the United States where a drowsy driver was involved. This was about a seven percent increase from the year before and represents information gathered by the NHTSA through various sources including police reports.
It is widely recognized that about 1/3 of all Americans get less than the 7 to 9 hours of recommended sleep per night. Drivers must be aware of this fact and give themselves extra time to reach their destination. This will allow drivers to pull off the roadway on an hourly basis and rest. Otherwise, they represent a danger to themselves and others on the roadway.
Drowsy drivers cause death, serious injuries, and vehicle damage to those around them due to the fact that the driver is usually driving at high speed along a highway when the accident occurs. If you’ve been injured in such an accident, contact a qualified personal injury attorney to direct you through this complex area of law.
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