The National Sleep Foundation recently publicized their Drowsy Driving Prevention Campaign. The campaign was launched in hopes of reducing fatigue-related crashes. This year, National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week ran from November 3-10. Since fatigued driving is often under reported and difficult for law enforcement officials to enforce, the campaign is focused on public education.

The Dangers of Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is incredibly dangerous for a number of reasons. First, tired drivers are at risk of falling asleep behind the wheel. It goes without saying that fatal and injury-causing crashes are likely to happen when drivers fall asleep. Even when drivers manage to keep their eyes open, their senses are dulled. Their reaction times are slower, and they’re not focusing on the task of driving. Although there isn’t as much data about fatigued drivers, it can be considered just as dangerous if not more dangerous than distracted driving. Drivers need to stay alert to stay alive.

Drowsy Driving According to The American Automobile Association (AAA)

• AAA estimates that drowsy driving is a factor in one out of every six deadly traffic crashes.
• Driver fatigue is also estimated to be a factor for one out of eight crashes requiring hospitalization of a driver.
• In 2010, over one-quarter of drivers surveyed admitted to driving while they were drowsy.
• Two out of five drivers surveyed admitted to having fallen asleep behind the wheel at some time.

Motorists should note that many cases of drowsy driving go unreported each year, especially where crashes aren’t properly investigated. It’s not as simple as checking a driver’s blood alcohol content. Law enforcement officers may have a difficult time discovering if driver fatigue led to a crash. It’s important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney after any injury-causing crash. An attorney can stay abreast of official investigations, and be your advocate during an otherwise difficult process.

What if You Have Been Hurt by a Drowsy Driver?

Seeking medical attention is the most important thing to do after a crash. It may not be immediately apparent that a driver was drowsy, fatigued or asleep. Investigations can be ongoing in crashes where no immediate cause can be determined. A skilled car accident lawyer can be an indispensable asset during this time. If you’ve been injured by a drowsy driver, contact the experienced team at Weldon & Rothman, PL for a free consultation today.

Legal Disclaimer: The above guidelines are educational in nature and do not create an attorney/client relationship. It is highly recommended that all Florida accident victims contact an experienced local Florida personal injury attorney to assist them with specific facts and circumstances regarding their motor vehicle accident. If you have been the victim of a motor vehicle accident in Florida, then feel free to contact Attorney Weldon toll free at (877) 730-5180 or via e-mail atinfo@weldonrothman.com

Richard L. Weldon, II is an experienced Florida personal injury attorney who has obtained the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He is the managing attorney of Weldon & Rothman, PL – a Southwest Florida law firm with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota.