Drowsy Driving Responsible For Car Accident Deaths

Drowsy Driving Responsible For Car Accident Deaths

The focus in the news lately has been texting and driving. Texting and other forms of distraction lead to thousands of accidents on America’s roadways every day. A new study has been released and it tells us that there may be something that causes even more accidents and is more common than distracted driving: Driving while tired.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s Traffic Safety Culture Index, it is estimated that nearly 21 percent of fatal accidents involve drowsy drivers. In 2010, that number sat at 16.5 percent. To compile the numbers for the latest study, researchers looked at data from 2009 through 2013. Not only did drowsy driving lead to traffic fatalities, but the study also showed that 7 percent of accidents involving serious injury involved a drowsy driver.

In a press release provided by AAA, researcher said, “This new research further confirms that drowsy driving is a serious traffic safety problem. Unfortunately, drivers often underestimate this risk and overestimate their ability to combat drowsiness behind the wheel.”

Even though so many people do it, the AAA found that more than 90 percent of those surveyed consider driving while tired to be unacceptable. The foundation urges drivers to be aware of the signs that they may be too tired to drive:

1. Difficulty focusing

2. A heavy head

3. Drifting in and out of lanes

4. Yawning frequently

5. Missing traffic signs

6. A feeling of getting somewhere and not knowing how

There are a variety of things that can lead to a car accident in South Carolina. From reckless driving to distracted driving, some of these issues are easily avoided if people only take the time to be sure that they are driving in accordance with the law. Other things, like drowsy driving, may be harder to stop. If you think that you are too tired to drive, you probably are.

If you have been injured in a car accident, call our offices today. Our personal injury attorneys are here to help you and your family put the pieces of your lives back together. Call now or browse our website for more information about our firm.

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