Driving while sleep deprived is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents, yet very few people are aware of the risks of getting behind the wheel while drowsy. Lack of sleep results in slower reaction times, poor judgement, and inattentiveness – a deadly combination when operating a motor vehicle. It is no small wonder therefore that driving while drowsy triples your risk of being involved in an auto accident. A sobering report from the National Safety Council equates driving after going more than 20 hours without sleep to driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08%, increasing your risk of being in an accident 3-fold. In addition, the AAA Foundation for traffic safety records an average 328,000 drowsy driving crashes a year, 6,400 of which are fatal. Despite these numbers, a shocking 40% of drivers admit to falling asleep behind the wheel at least once.
People of all ages drive while sleep deprived, but many drowsy driving accidents occur in young adults under the age of 25. Parents should therefore talk to their teens about the dangers of driving when tired, and make sure that they are well rested before getting behind the wheel. If you do feel too tired to drive, having a friend drive you or using a rideshare app is always the safer option.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, please contact Kauffman and Associates for a complimentary consultation. No case is too big or small. We can help ensure you obtain appropriate medical care and receive the maximum financial settlement possible for your pain and suffering.