The Dangers of Drowsy Driving Revealed in Study

According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, federal agencies are underreporting the number of car accidents resulting from fatigued drivers. Only 1 to 2 percent of vehicle collisions are reported by the government as resulting from drowsy driving. However, AAA estimates that number may be 8 to 9 times higher – around 8.8 to 9.5 percent. As well, according to the AAA study, fatigued drivers accounted for 10.6 to 10.8 percent of vehicle crashes involving injuries, deployment of airbags, or property damage.

AAA conducted the study over a period of several months in which 3,500 individuals participated and allowed themselves to be recorded with cameras. The participants were measured for drowsiness and the percentage of the time their eyes were closed. Over the course of the study, AAA captured a number of instances when drivers crashed their vehicles or crossed over into oncoming traffic.

Are drunk driving and drowsy driving similar?

Of course, driving under the influence of alcohol creates considerable danger for the driver, passengers, and other vehicle occupants on the roadway. Drowsy driving may be akin to operating a motor vehicle close to the legal limit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that an individual deprived of proper sleep may suffer the same type of impairment as an individual who has consumed too much alcohol to drive safely.

In fact, the CDC states that a person who has not slept for 24 hours has an equivalent level of impairment as an individual with a 0.10 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC); driving with a 0.10 BAC is considered drunk driving in every state.

What happens to an individual with a 0.10 BAC? Per Lifeloc Technologies:

• Slow thinking, poor coordination, and slurred speech
• A noticeable decline in response time and control
• A decreased ability to maintain lane control (this can occur even before a person reaches a 0.10 BAC)

Driver fatigue is dangerous regardless of the vehicle involved. Fatigued commercial truck drivers are of particular concern due to the long hours they spend behind the wheel.

The CDC also asserts that the combined effects of alcohol and drowsiness can create a highly dangerous situation for the driver and others. A driver with a low BAC level who is also drowsy due to sleep deprivation may suffer impairment equivalent to that of an individual who is not fatigued but has a higher BAC level.

Driver fatigue can result in disastrous consequences for the driver and other drivers and passengers on the roadway. If you have suffered an injury in a car or truck accident due to the negligence of another party, including drowsy driving, you deserve compensation for your losses. At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, we have extensive experience helping our injured clients throughout Georgia obtain the financial recovery they are owed for pain and suffering, medical bills, property damage, and more. We are here to fight for you and build a strong case on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation about your case, complete our contact form or call us at one of our convenient locations – 404-961-7650 in Atlanta, or 912-651-9967 in Savannah.