The Connection Between Drowsy Driving and Car Accidents

If you are driving safely, you are alert, focused, and paying attention to your surroundings. Trying to drive while drowsy can be very hard – and it can possibly put you and others at the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that sleep deprivation can lead to an increased risk of accident and injury. Multiple studies have found a definite correlation between lack of sleep and accident risk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that drowsy driving is a huge issue in the United States, and one in 25 drivers claims to have fallen asleep behind the wheel. Furthermore, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration believes that drowsy driving and sleep deprivation has resulted in 72,000 accidents, 44,000 injuries, and 800 deaths in the year 2013.

The Risk Factors for Drowsy Driving

Driving while drowsy has many root causes and factors. These can include a range of personal reasons, such as lifestyle and even medications. The full list of risk factors include:

• Not having enough rest. A majority of adults need somewhere between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Getting less than that amount can possibly lead to sleep deprivation and fatigue while on the road.
• Working night or swing shifts. When a person’s schedule changes often or is erratic, the person gets out of sync. This causes them to get less sleep and have a poorer quality of sleep. This results in tiredness during the day.
• Suffering from sleep-disruptions.  Certain medical condition like sleep apnea are common and can interfere with your sleep. Those with the condition are often sleep deprived, and they are at increased risk when they are behind the wheel.
• Taking medications that cause drowsiness. Many medications can cause sleepiness and drowsiness. This includes anti-anxiety and allergy medications, as well as cold medicines. If you take one of these before driving, you could be at risk of being in an accident.

If you often feel tired while driving, it is important that you discuss your lifestyle with your doctor, as well as medication changes that can help you be more attentive on the road.

Motor Vehicle Accidents in Nevada

When a driver falls asleep while driving, it can cause severe accidents. These drivers are able to be held liable for causing collisions. This is especially true when they are commercial drivers. When you are involved in a car accident resulting from a drowsy driver, this accident is due to the negligence of the driver.

You need professional legal counsel that understands how the justice system works.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drowsy driver, you need to contact an experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney. Here at the Cottle Firm, we are here to help you get the largest settlement for your claim. 

The Cottle Firm has obtained over a quarter of a billion dollars for people that were injured throughout the state of Nevada. We have decades of experience helping people with all kinds of injuries, and our lawyers understand how to get results.

You’re not just a case number at The Cottle Firm. We can help you with your case, whether large or small.

We have awarded $7.5 million to victims of rollover accidents, and we can do the same for you. Please, contact our offices today at 702-722-6111 if you or a family member has been involved in a car accident.