Drowsy Drivers Significantly Increase the Risk of Auto Accidents

At some point in our lives, we will drive our vehicles while we are extremely tired. Maybe you had a long day at the office or a sick child kept you up all night. Whatever the reason is for your tiredness, you put yourself and others in great risk when you are behind the wheel. You know the feeling that creeps up on you when you are tired – your eyelids become heavy, you have trouble focusing and sometimes your vision even becomes a little blurred. While these symptoms of exhaustion are fine when you are at home, when you are driving it is a whole different story.

According to a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 80 percent of traffic crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involved some type of driver distraction within three seconds before the event. Researchers found that drowsiness was a main cause of driver inattention. In fact, driving while drowsy increases a driver’s risk of being in a crash or near-crash by four to six times. Researchers discovered that among the drivers studied, those who were drowsy were a contributing factor to 22 to 24 percent of the crashes and near-crashes.

Other driver distractions, such as using a cell phone or reaching for an object in the vehicle, were also common causes of crashes and near-crashes based on the study’s results. Researchers found that the number of accidents and near-accidents caused by dialing on a cell phone were almost identical to the number associated with listening and talking. Drivers who reached for a moving object increased the risk of crash or near-crash by nine times.

Drowsiness is a major problem and a substantial factor in serious auto accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration believes that drowsy driving may be grossly under-reported in police crash investigations.

It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of extreme tiredness so you can prevent a serious accident caused by drowsy driving. Some signals to watch out for include the following:

• Heavy eyelids or frequent blinking
• Trouble focusing vision
• Difficulty with concentration
• Missing a traffic signal or exit
• Excessive yawning
• Drifting in and out of the lane
• Irritability

By avoiding driving while drowsy, you can protect yourself from a serious auto accident. If you have been injured in an accident caused by another driver who was drowsy, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. Contact Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. for advice regarding your accident case at (877) 724-7800 or (713) 224-7800. We are experienced Texas auto accident attorneys who can help you receive the monetary compensation you deserve.