Many people recognize that alcohol use affects one’s driving abilities, as well as distractions such as phones and other devices. However, some people do not pay close attention to drowsiness and they get behind the wheel even though they are too tired to drive safely.
Sadly, drowsy driving results in many collisions each year, some of which are fatal.
The consequences of drowsy driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 795 people passed away in drowsy driving crashes during 2017. Moreover, an estimated 91,000 motor vehicle wrecks involved a drowsy driver during 2017. Aside from the loss of life and injuries, these crashes also bring up significant financial consequences for many victims and their families, as well as emotional devastation. Regrettably, many people simply do not care and wrongly believe that they are able to drive normally even though they are very tired.
The prevalence of drowsy driving
In addition to these figures, it is important to understand that drowsy driving is very common. It is impossible to pinpoint the precise number of drowsy drivers on the road at any given time or within any time frame. In fact, many drivers do not even realize that they are drowsy and take to the road as if everything is fine. Many people drive while drowsy during the night, in the early morning hours and in the evening as they head home after work. When a drowsy driver causes a collision that leaves someone with serious injuries or results in a fatality, they have to answer for the consequences of the accident.
