The Dangers of Drowsy Driving

People often think of distracted or drunk driving as being dangerous, but have you considered how threatening driving while drowsy can be for everyone on the road? Drowsiness and fatigue cause decreased attention, decreased alertness to hazards, less effective control responses, longer reaction times, decreased information processing speeds, slower decision making, among other problems…

Like severe personal injuries and wrongful death.

At highway speeds, fractions of a second can make the difference between life and death. Poor decisions and impaired reaction times lead to crashes. Drowsy drivers endanger themselves, their passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and others. Studies have shown that driving while drowsy increases the risk of a crash by 400-600%.

The problem of drowsy drivers is so serious that the federal government recently issued new rules limiting how long commercial truck drivers may stay behind the wheel. Here is a guide for interstate truck driver’s to follow from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Furthermore, the problem is only escalating. Consider the age statistics in this infographic reported by The Huffington Post last fall. More and more younger drivers are taking the risk of getting behind the wheel tired than ever before.

Are you getting enough sleep before driving? Make sure you are always well rested and stay well aware of commercial highway laws. And, if you, your family, or a friend believe a drowsy driver caused an injury, contact Barrow Law Firm for a legal consultation and advice.