Whether drivers get behind the wheel without enough sleep, drive for too long or feel fatigued after a demanding day at work, drowsy driving is extremely dangerous. Not only should you understand some of the risk factors linked to drowsy driving, but you should also look at statistics on the prevalence of this dangerous behavior and the consequences of driver fatigue.
Moreover, if a drowsy driver has caused you or someone you love to suffer serious injuries, do not hesitate to explore the options you have.
Risk factors connected to drowsy driving
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lays out some of the risks associated with drowsy driving. In addition to insufficient sleep, some drivers struggle with drowsiness due to working difficult shifts, certain medication and alcohol. Those who make a living driving commercial vehicles, shift workers and people who struggle with untreated sleep disorders have an especially high chance of driving while drowsy.
Sometimes, drowsiness has warning signs, such as missing exits, yawning excessively and drifting out of the lane. Unfortunately, some drivers do not recognize dangerous fatigue, or they try to push on even though they are very tired.
Data on drowsy driving crashes
The CDC states that while it is not possible to pinpoint the exact number of drowsy driving crashes, estimates show that drowsy driving could cause as many as 6,000 fatal accidents per year. Moreover, estimates suggest that as many as 50,000 injuries take place due to drowsy driving on an annual basis. Drivers who endanger lives by operating a vehicle while they are drowsy must answer for the consequences of an accident.