Earlier this week, a driver near Duncan, Oklahoma fell asleep behind the wheel and caused a collision that injured at least six people. According to KFDX News Channel Three, the incident happened on Terry Road, just before 9:00 a.m. Initial reports indicate that 71-year-old William Fuller fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed head-on into a pickup truck. There were six people in the truck at the time of the crash, including three teenagers. At least six people, including William Fuller, were taken to the hospital. Thankfully, everybody involved was wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Multiple Injuries in Crash Involving Elderly Driver
As of Monday, the pickup truck’s occupants had all been released from the hospital. The elderly driver, William Fuller, had to be airlifted to OU Medical and was still listed in critical condition. Very few details have been released about this crash, which could still be under investigation with local law enforcement authorities. We also know that another serious crash happened on Terry Road last week, involving a teen driver.
Elderly Driver Crash Statistics
- In 2012, more than 5,560 older adults were killed in crashes.
- More than 214,000 older adults were injured in crashes in 2012.
- An average of 586 older adults are injured in crashes every day.
- Per mile traveled, fatal crash rates increase starting at ages 70 to 74.
The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
Sleep deprivation and fatigue can alter judgment and make lapses in attention more likely to occur. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 60 percent of polled drivers say they have driven a vehicle while feeling drowsy. More than one-third of those polled reported having actually fallen asleep behind the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year, resulting in an estimated 1,550 deaths.
When to Call a Personal Injury Attorney
After any kind of car wreck, whether an elderly driver was involved or not, it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your case. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a collision in Wichita Falls, Lawton or any of the surrounding communities, contact the skilled team at the Altman Legal Group at 940-761-4000 for a free case consultation.