Regardless of where you live or what type of car you drive, driving while drowsy is an incredibly risky endeavor which is seriously underappreciated by motor vehicle operators nationwide. In a study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, 37% of individuals polled admitted to having fallen asleep while driving. Additionally, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 83,000 accidents across the country are caused by fatigued driving each year. These accidents result, on average, in over 40,000 injuries and 1,500 deaths annually.
So, with these facts in mind, let’s take a closer look at the “Drowsy Driver”.
Who fits the bill as being described as a “Drowsy Driver”? The most frequently cited example is an individual who sleeps, on average, less than six hours per night.
And when are accidents caused by “Drowsy Drivers” most common? Not surprisingly, drowsy driving accidents are most common at night, followed by mid-afternoon.
And who are the most common “Drowsy Drivers”? Shift workers are the most common segment of society to feel the effects of drowsy driving, but high school and college students are not far behind.
Many researchers who study the effects of sleep deprivation draw a comparison between being over-drowsy and intoxicated. Research has indicated that individuals operating a motor vehicle on only 4 or 5 hours of sleep are likely to experience symptoms similar to that of intoxication. These symptoms include a pronounced inability to focus, inattentiveness, delayed response and reaction time, blurred vision, impaired field-of-depth judgment, and even falling asleep at the wheel.
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident where the other driver was deemed to be “drowsy” or “fatigued”, the team of lawyers at Howland, Hess, Guinan, Torpey, Cassidy & O’Connell, LLP are ready and able to fight for your rights to compensation for injuries, property damage, and medical expenses. Call today for a free consultation at (215) 947-6240 or contact us online.
Legal Disclaimer: The contents of this website are intended solely for informational purposes. They neither constitute nor imply an official legal opinion on behalf of Howland, Hess, Guinan, Torpey, Cassidy and O’Connell, LLP, nor do they establish an attorney-client relationship of any kind. Howland Hess O’Connell encourages all readers to seek and consult professional counsel before acting upon the information contained on this site.
So, with these facts in mind, let’s take a closer look at the “Drowsy Driver”.
Who fits the bill as being described as a “Drowsy Driver”? The most frequently cited example is an individual who sleeps, on average, less than six hours per night.
And when are accidents caused by “Drowsy Drivers” most common? Not surprisingly, drowsy driving accidents are most common at night, followed by mid-afternoon.
And who are the most common “Drowsy Drivers”? Shift workers are the most common segment of society to feel the effects of drowsy driving, but high school and college students are not far behind.
Many researchers who study the effects of sleep deprivation draw a comparison between being over-drowsy and intoxicated. Research has indicated that individuals operating a motor vehicle on only 4 or 5 hours of sleep are likely to experience symptoms similar to that of intoxication. These symptoms include a pronounced inability to focus, inattentiveness, delayed response and reaction time, blurred vision, impaired field-of-depth judgment, and even falling asleep at the wheel.
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident where the other driver was deemed to be “drowsy” or “fatigued”, the team of lawyers at Howland, Hess, Guinan, Torpey, Cassidy & O’Connell, LLP are ready and able to fight for your rights to compensation for injuries, property damage, and medical expenses. Call today for a free consultation at (215) 947-6240 or contact us online.
Legal Disclaimer: The contents of this website are intended solely for informational purposes. They neither constitute nor imply an official legal opinion on behalf of Howland, Hess, Guinan, Torpey, Cassidy and O’Connell, LLP, nor do they establish an attorney-client relationship of any kind. Howland Hess O’Connell encourages all readers to seek and consult professional counsel before acting upon the information contained on this site.
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