Operating a motor vehicle in a safe and prudent manner takes 100 percent of a driver’s focus and attention. If a driver is combatting drowsiness, this can impede the driver’s ability to react properly to roadway situations, control the car and prevent serious automobile accidents. Auto accident attorneys in Pittsburgh suggest it is critical for all drivers to be aware of the dangers of drowsy driving to avoid this serious crash risk.
How Frequent Are Drowsy Driving Accidents?
Every year, thousands of motor vehicle collisions are attributed to drowsy drivers. In a time where the average driver is dealing with pressure to work more, be more productive and multitask, drowsy driving accidents have become more common. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 693 deaths were caused by drowsy driving accidents in 2022.
In a census of fatal accidents conducted by the NHTSA in 2017 (the most recent year data is available), 91,000 car accidents reported to the police involved drowsy drivers. These collisions resulted in around 50,000 injuries and almost 800 deaths. Drowsy driving collisions occur most often at night, between midnight and 6:00 AM, as well as in the late afternoon. Pittsburgh injury lawyers handling these cases have seen rural roads and highways being the most common settings.
The Perils of Driving While Drowsy or Fatigued
Fatigue is a significant safety issue that is often underestimated. Data collected on drowsy driving car accidents is likely lower than the actual numbers due to the difficulty of determining a driver’s state leading up to a deadly accident, if the driver did not survive. Driving while tired significantly increases the odds of motor vehicle accidents in many ways.
Risk factors caused by drowsy driving include:
- Delayed reaction times
- Reduced reflexes
- Decreased awareness of surroundings
- Lack of normal vigilance
- Poor judgment and decision-making
- Microsleeps (briefly falling asleep behind the wheel)
- A loss of vehicle control
The Sleep Foundation states that drowsy driving is comparable to drunk driving in the dangerous ways that it affects drivers. Drowsy driving increases the odds of dangerous driver behaviors such as drifting in and out of multiple lanes, driving into oncoming traffic, cutting other drivers off, braking and accelerating erratically, missing exits and turns, and violating traffic laws.
How to Spot a Drowsy Driver
Recognizing that you are sharing the road with a drowsy driver could save your life. Pay attention to the actions of the drivers around you and stay vigilant for signs of drowsy or fatigued driving. Erratic or unpredictable behaviors can point to a driver who is struggling to stay awake, as can inconsistent speeds, abrupt braking and the inability to stay in a single lane.
Commercial truck drivers are especially prone to drowsy driving due to the nature of their jobs. If you notice a car or large truck behaving irregularly or losing control, keep your distance. If you can, exit the road. Report the dangerous driver to the police. In the event of a car accident where you believe the other driver was drowsy, know how to protect your rights.
Start by checking yourself for injuries, getting medical care and reporting the crash to the police. Exchange information with the drowsy driver and take pictures of the accident scene. When the police arrive, tell them why you believe the other driver was fatigued. Contact your own car insurance company to file a claim. Then, contact a car accident lawyer before accepting a settlement.