If you find yourself in a serious crash, many different challenges could follow. You could struggle with medical costs due to your injuries, and you could have unbearable physical pain. Sometimes, a crash impacts victims for the rest of their lives. For example, you could lose the ability to walk. These accidents happen for a variety of reasons, but drowsy driving is especially concerning.
Sometimes, drivers do not realize when fatigue interferes with their ability to stay alert and drive safely. It is beneficial for drivers to look at statistics on drowsy driving to realize how widespread this dangerous behavior is, and the consequences of these accidents.
Statistics on drowsy driving collisions
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that over the course of 2017, 50,000 people suffered injuries in drowsy driving accidents and almost 800 lost their lives. Based on estimates, law enforcement received reports of 91,000 drowsy driving collisions during 2017. However, it is crucial to note that experts believe the true number of drowsy driving accidents and injuries is even higher.
Risk factors connected with drowsy driving crashes
The NHTSA states that drowsy driving collisions often take place on roads in rural areas. Moreover, the chances of a drowsy driving collision increase late in the afternoon and from 12 AM to 6 AM. Aside from failing to get the right amount of sleep, drivers can become drowsy due to working a strenuous shift, driving for long periods of time and taking certain medications.
In the wake of a drowsy driving crash, it is pivotal to review the details surrounding the accident carefully if another driver’s behavior caused you to suffer an injury.