Risks of Drowsy Driving Similar to Drunk Driving

Aug 12,2016

A new report released this week reveals the seriousness of drowsy driving accidents. The report revealed that drowsy driving contributes to around 328,000 crashes in the U.S. every year. The study included research from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (CTSB), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA).

Lack of adequate sleep is to blame for the growing problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 83.6 million Americans get less than the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep at night. This puts one in four drivers at risk of drowsy driving.

According to AAA, drowsy driving contributes to 109,000 crashes causing injury and 6,400 that result in fatality.

The risks of drowsy driving are similar to those for driving under the influence. Delayed reaction times, frequent eye closure and nodding off are some of the telltale symptoms of drowsy driving. According to the report, a driver who has been awake for 18 hours is comparable to a driver with a 0.05% blood-alcohol content (BCA), while a driver on 21 hours without sleep is akin to someone with a 0.08% BCA.

“Driving while drowsy can have devastating consequences. If you have to be behind the wheel, make sure you’re well rested,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.