CDC Report Highlights Role Of Drowsy Driving In Fatal Crashes
Drowsy driving is a major problem in the United States, contributing to 25% of the fatal motor vehicle accidents – up to 7,500 fatal crashes each year.
New York drowsy driving accident lawyers at The Sanders Firm witness the heart-breaking effects of this every day and are not surprised by a recent CDC report on the widespread nature of this problem.
According to the recent CDC report, a study of 10 states and Puerto Rico shows a significant link between drowsy driving and other risk factors.
Some risk factors for drowsy driving include:
- Male
- Under 25
- A binge drinker
- A driver who does not wear seat belts regularly
- Chronically tired, either by sleeping less than 6 hours each day or having problems with snoring or unintentionally falling asleep during the day
In the study, 1 out of every 25 drivers admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel at least once in the previous month. Not surprisingly, drowsy driving accidents happened most often in the early morning or late at night.
No sign that drowsy driving accidents are going away
Unfortunately, the problems that most contribute to drowsy driving are becoming more prevalent in our society. People get less sleep as their commutes get longer. As obesity rates increase across the country, sleep apnea also increases.
As the CDC reports, taking steps like opening a window or turning up the radio to stay awake when sleepy do nothing to reduce the chance of a drowsy driving accident – drowsy drivers need to pull off the road and get some rest.
Legal options for victims of drowsy driver car accidents
Drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents but even non-fatal accidents can cause life-altering injuries.
Some of auto accident injuries that can leave victims permanently disabled include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Neck and back trauma
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a fatigued driver, you may be entitled to compensation. This may involve an insurance claim, and in many cases will include filing a NY sleepy driver accident lawsuit.
Some of the damages you may be able to recover include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of care and companionship of a loved one
- Lost wages
- Incidental expenses like travel for medical treatment
- Disability
- Loss of the ability to participate in activities and hobbies
New York drowsy driving accident lawyers
In a car accident lawsuit arising from drowsy driving, a plaintiff can recover against defendants who breached a duty to other drivers or passengers to cause the accident. Usually, this will involve a claim against the drowsy driver in question. If alcohol played a factor, it may also involve a claim against whoever provided the driver with alcohol. An experienced New York personal injury attorney can review your claim and help you decide who may be at fault.
The Sanders Firm is here to offer our skills and experience to help you prove your case. We work with an extensive network of medical experts and accident reconstructionists to establish each element of your case. Call for a free no-obligation case review. Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Drowsy Driving and Risk Behaviors – 10 States and Puerto Rico, 2011-2012, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6326a1.htm?s_cid=mm6326a1_x
- Medical Press, One in 25 reports falling asleep at the wheel: CDC report, https://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-07-cdc-sleepy-drivers-hay-road.html
- NBC News, Your Next Crash Might Be With a Drowsy Driver, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/your-next-crash-might-be-drowsy-driver-n147671
