There are an estimated 328,000 drowsy driving car accidents every year, which led to 5,000 deaths in 2015 alone, according to a shocking report on drowsy driving from the Governors Highway Safety Organization (GHSO).
According to the report, 83.6 million tired Americans get behind the wheel every day and this leads to drowsy driving accidents that cost drivers approximately $109 billion in lost productivity, medical expenses, and insurance and legal expenses.
Researchers also found that half of drowsy-driving accidents involve teens or young adults. Employees who work at night or on long irregular shifts are also more likely to drive while drowsy.
The report, titled “Wake Up Call! Understanding Drowsy Driving and What States Can Do,” was created to show people how often they engage in drowsy driving and the dangers of this behavior.
Drowsy Driving is Similar to Drunk Driving
Drowsy driving and drunk driving are actually very similar – not sleeping for 18 hours and getting behind the wheel of a car is the same as driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.05. If you drive after being awake for just three more hours, it is as if you have a blood alcohol content of 0.08, which is the legal limit.
Drowsy drivers are 3.5 times more likely to get into an accident, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Another study from AAA found that drowsy drivers are involved in 21 percent of all fatal accidents.
Unfortunately, it is tough to prevent drowsy driving because drivers often do not know how tired they really are and there is no way to test drivers for fatigue.
If you have been seriously injured in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other expenses. Contact the auto accident lawyers based in the Fort Worth office of Anderson Cummings for a free consultation. Let a licensed Fort Worth injury attorney from our law firm review the details of your claim today.
Call (817) 920-9000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation.