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Too many motorists cause serious collisions because they are too sleepy to operate their vehicles properly. Drowsiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness, impairs judgement, and increases collision risks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving caused 795 fatalities during 2017.
Drowsy Driving Causes
Most drowsy driving collisions occur when drivers drift out of their lanes or leave the road, leading to head-on collisions, sideswipes, and side-impact accidents. Drowsy driving is often caused by:
- Shift work. Employees who routinely work the night shift or irregular hours may suffer from sleep deprivation, causing them to drive while they are exhausted.
- Alcohol. Alcohol consumption can increase a driver’s drowsiness.
- Sleep disorders. Drivers with undiagnosed sleep apnea or narcolepsy may fall asleep while they are on the road.
- Sedating medications. Many over-the-counter and prescription medications can induce drowsiness in motorists.
Drowsy Driving Evidence
Unlike alcohol and drug testing, there are no tests to determine whether or not a motorist is guilty of drowsy driving. However, an experienced vehicle accident attorney can gather evidence to prove that the driver was drowsy, including:
- A lack of skid marks at the accident scene, indicating that the sleepy driver made no effort to stop the vehicle.
- Work or school attendance records, which may be used to show that the motorist was suffering from a lack of sleep.
- Prescription records for medications known to induce drowsiness.
- Cell phone records, social media posts, and credit card records proving that the drowsy driver had been awake for an extended period of time.
You Need the Representation of a Skilled Vehicle Accident Attorney
Fatigued driving can be just as risky as drunk driving, and victims of these accidents need representation by a skilled vehicle accident attorney. If you’ve been hurt by a drowsy driver, your attorney can gather evidence to establish the driver’s negligence, and help you receive the compensation you deserve. To learn more, contact the Injury & Disability Law Center by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.
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