Three Facts Every Georgia Driver Needs to Know about Drowsy Driving
Many drivers have had the terrifying experience of dozing off, even if only momentarily, while traveling along a Georgia interstate after a sleep deprived night. While drunk driving may get more focus from the media, it is hard to imagine any form of driving practice that is more dangerous than drowsy driving. This form of unsafe driving might be almost as avoidable as driving while intoxicated. Difficult economic conditions are forcing people to work multiple jobs and longer hours which is reducing the amount of sleep many motorists get during the night. Although tired and fatigued drivers constitute a risk that is comparable to that imposed by intoxicated drivers, most motorists are less aware of this issue, so our Cobb County Auto Accident Lawyers have provided some key facts motorists need to know about sleep deprived driving.
Do a substantial number of drivers engage in the practice of driving even though they are not properly rested?
A study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) revealed that approximately six in ten licensed adult drivers had engaged in the practice of drowsy driving during the prior twelve month period, with a full third of adult drivers actually falling asleep while driving during that period. While it might be tempting to presume that this dangerous driving practice is an atypical mistake, approximately fifteen percent of those who admitted dozing behind the wheel also indicated that they routinely nod off behind the wheel as often as once a month. Nearly eleven million who participated in the survey reported that they have been involved in a crash or near collision because they were fatigued or asleep while driving.
Does fatigue impact drivers in ways comparable to driving under the influence of alcohol?
A study reported in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention revealed that the impact of lack of sleep on a motorist's judgment and physical driving skills tends to mirror that of alcohol impaired driving. According to the report, the impact of sleep-deprivation on driving ability after 17 hours without sleep is the equivalent to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .05 percent. When a driver operates a motor vehicle after a period of 24 hours without sleep, a motorist's driving abilities are more adversely affected than a driver with a BAC above the legal limit of .08 percent.
Why has driver fatigue and drowsiness becoming a more serious auto accident risk?
Studies conducted during the last few decades reveals that people are getting fewer hours of sleep during a typical night. This trend is exacerbated by increases in shift work and sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Because obesity is closely linked to sleep apnea, the increased percentage of motorists who are overweight has made sleep disorders a more significant factor in car accidents.
Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Experience to Work For You
If you or a family member is injured in a collision caused by a drowsy driver, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Montlick and Associates have been representing injury victims for over thirty years throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.