When most people think impaired driving, the image that comes to mind is someone whose intoxicated behind the wheel, but there is another type of impairment that many overlook, say driver resources: drowsy driving.
The impact
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study conducted in 2002 to investigate driver behavior, 37 percent of drivers have either nodded off or fallen asleep while driving. Additionally, the NHTSA estimates that drowsy driving contributes to around 100,000 motor vehicle crashes each year with approximately 40,000 people suffering injuries and 1,550 more losing their lives.
Drowsiness, like other driving impairments, increases reaction times, making drivers slower to respond to changing traffic conditions. A drowsy driver’s ability to pay attention and process information are also negatively impacted. All of this means that being drowsy behind the wheel makes it harder for a driver to avoid a crash.
As a Sumter auto accident lawyer, motorist safety is something that I am very conscious of. I encourage drivers to stay safe and avoid driving while tired. Because of my experience as a Sumter personal injury attorney, I am very aware of the split-second difference between everything seeming fine and a terrible vehicle crash. I urge motorists to always practice safe driving habits.
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