The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently hosted “Asleep at the Wheel: A Nation of Drowsy Drivers.” This two-day forum during National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week (November 1-8, 2015) was aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving and developing a dialogue about reducing injury causing and fatal crashes due to drowsy driving. The NHTSA partnered with the National Sleep Foundation and hosted a variety of experts in fields like sleep science, traffic safety and public health to inform, educate and discuss the major topics associated with the nation’s drowsy driving problem. In addition to state and federal government agencies, advocacy groups were also on hand to discuss the forum issues. Topics covered included research, vehicle technology, victim stories and public awareness.
Drowsy Driving Facts
- Each year, an estimated 100,000 police-reported crashes occur due to driver fatigue.
- Those crashes result in an estimated 1,550 deaths.
- An estimated 71,000 injuries occur as a result of driver fatigue each year.
- Crashes caused by driver fatigue result in an estimated $12.5 billion each year.
Take The Pledge Against Drowsy Driving
The National Sleep Foundation is encouraging drivers to take the pledge against drowsy driving. These crashes are completely preventable, and drivers who are in at-risk groups like shift workers and people with undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders should be especially vigilant about their alertness behind the wheel. Drowsy driving can lead to falling asleep behind the wheel, but that doesn’t mean that drivers who manage to stay awake are safe from causing crashes. Drivers who are tired have slower reaction times and reduced alertness behind the wheel.
Drowsy Driving Crashes in Texoma
The number of crashes, injuries, deaths and costs associated with drowsy driving is thought to be widely underreported. It’s not as if there is a breath test for drowsy driving, however research continues to emerge showing just how dangerous and deadly drowsiness behind the wheel is. If you suspect a drowsy driver was to blame for your injuries, you need to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible to get the ball rolling on your case.
If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a crash involving a drowsy driver in Texoma, contact the experienced team at the Altman Legal Group at 940-761-4000 for a free case consultation.