The Danger of Falling Asleep While Driving
A recent report found that 3 percent of Minnesota drivers admitted to falling asleep while driving at least once within the previous 30 days, which is slightly lower than the national average of 4 percent.
These are scary figures when you consider the sheer number of vehicles traveling on the roadways each day. Indeed, about one of every 40 fatal traffic accidents is the result of a driver falling asleep at the wheel. The safe and proper operation of a motor vehicle requires the driver to remain alert, observant and able to react quickly to changing road conditions.
Those who drive without sufficient sleep or while drowsy as a result of taking medication or consuming drugs or alcohol places themselves and others at great risk of suffering devastating injuries or death.
Call 612-254-6409 if you were injured in an accident due to a negligent driver who fell asleep behind the wheel.
Who Has a Heightened Risk of Falling Asleep While Driving?
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 70,000 people are injured in auto accidents every year because of drivers who fell asleep, resulting in total losses of $12.5 billion a year.
People who are particularly at risk of falling asleep on the road include:
- Drivers who are driving alone at night
- Commercial truck drivers who drive through the night
- Drivers who are on medications that have a side effect of drowsiness
- Drivers on long road trips who are driving through the night
- Workers of overnight or early morning shifts
- Drunk drivers
Federal Rules for Commercial Truck Drivers
The U.S. Department of Transportation imposed regulations of truck drivers’ hours of operation for the express purpose of reducing truck accidents caused by driver fatigue. The regulations reduced the truck drivers’ maximum average work week from 82 hours to 70 hours, and added more mandatory rests between shifts.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with Our Knowledgeable Lawyers
If you were injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident in which a driver fell asleep, our knowledgeable St. Paul lawyers at Bowden Cyr, PLLC, can help you recover damages. Call our office at 612-254-6409 or schedule your case evaluation online.
