Sleepy Drivers Pull Over!

As the holidays approach, many American and Canadian families (as well as others globally) are preparing for trips to see far-away relatives and experience good eats and yuletide. For some, distances are greater than others, and often on holidays, a large amount of driving occurs late night, visiting friends and relatives throughout hometowns across the nation, and though fatigued and distracted, many drivers continue to pilot their trucks and automobiles through the night. The statistics involving drowsy drivers are staggering and should definitely be a warning to those sleepyheads who amazingly believe they are immune to late night accidents.

According to United States government records, at least 1500 people die in automobile crashes caused by drowsy or fatigued drivers each and every year. This number is likely conservative as it takes an eyewitness report testifying that the driver involved was nodding his or her head, but nonetheless, a high number indeed. These telling government records also show that at least 40,000 people are injured in crashes caused by sleepy drivers, but further research has shown that close to 100,000 accidents are caused by fatigue-ridden drivers each year. The categorical response from many drivers when asked if they are too tired to drive is strikingly similar to the ignorant response to a posed “too buzzed to drive” question, often eliciting an “I feel fine”. In fact, when surveyed, only 12% of respondents believed that sleeplessness affected their driving whatsoever. Denial, in this case can be hazardous, even deadly.

Because reports and numbers are spotty, at best, the number of fatigued drivers on the road at any given time is most probably much higher than recorded, and around the holidays, this number probably soars in the same way as buzzed driving does. Drowsy feelings for fatigued drivers are exacerbated in the evening by the hypnotic effect of headlights, ahead and behind, but drowsy driving, of course is not only limited to evening time. If a driver is feeling the least bit tired or drowsy from his or her holiday dinner, exciting holiday engagements, or just good, old-fashioned socializing, piloting an automobile should be furthest from the mind. A nap is in order, and driving should not be attempted until freshness of mind and body returns. Driving is a responsibility, and putting others in harms way, selfishly, should never be an option.

If caught in an accident situation due to another driver’s inattention or drowsiness, it is necessary to have your rights protected by a personal injury attorney that will represent you and your family to the best of their ability. Make sure to be fresh and attentive while driving, but always be protected after an accident by contacting an excellent attorney.

Lloyd Robles heads Robles & Associates, an Austin, Texas based firm, specializing in personal injury law.