When a motorist becomes overtired while driving, there can be deadly consequences. A drowsy driver may have delayed reactions, and impaired judgment. Being tired behind the wheel can become just as dangerous as being drunk. As the administrator of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) commented: “while not everybody drinks, or texts, or speeds, lack of sleep is a problem we all face. And falling asleep at the wheel at 70 mph is a recipe for tragedy.” Because any motorist could potentially cause a drowsy driving collision, prevention of fatigued driving is very important.
NHTSA Announces Efforts to Reduce Drowsy Driving Car Accidents
In 2013, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asked motorists in 19 states and the District of Columbia if they had fallen asleep while driving any time in the past 30 days. An average of 4.2 percent of motorists nationwide admitted they had dozed off at least once as they were driving a vehicle. In California, 4.8 percent of drivers said they had fallen asleep, which is slightly higher than the national average.
Drowsy driving crash prevention can be difficult because it is hard to regulate an average motorist and make sure he pulls over once he gets tired. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations limit the number of hours a truck operator can operate a truck, with both daily and weekly limits. Truckers must carry log books in order to ensure they are following the rules. There are no comparable laws for average drivers.
Preventing drowsy driving among average motorists is going to require different techniques than passing laws. Automobile Magazine indicates that the NHTSA has announced the agency will be focused on drowsy driving prevention. Although NHTSA did not provide a lot of specifics, some of the things the agency will be doing includes launching public education campaigns and evaluating what legal and technological solutions may be possible to help reduce the risk of driver fatigue. Both high and low tech solutions, like rumble strips and computer warning systems to detect when a driver is sleepy, may be a part of the NHTSA’s plans going forward.
Drowsy driving is a contributing cause of between 2.2 and 2.6 percent of fatal crashes on U.S. roadways, and as many as 72,000 crashes annually are caused by drowsy driving. The actual number of fatigue-related crashes may be even greater than these figures suggest because not all motorists who are in crashes admit they were drowsy when they caused a collision.
A Long Beach Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Your Injuries Are Personal to Me
If you were involved in a drowsy driving crash, a Long Beach car accident lawyer can help you. The Law Office of Michael D. Waks represents clients in drowsy driving accident cases. I have helped many clients to successfully show fatigue was the cause of their crash so they can make a claim against the tired driver. Call the Law Office of Michael D. Waks at 888-394-1174 or use the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation.