Almost every Texas adult driver would admit to driving while tired on occasion. Being a little sleepy while behind the wheel may be normal for most adults, but there are times when a driver is more than a little sleepy, but is actually too tired to drive safely. Drowsy driving is a significant, if not largely underestimated, threat to the well-being of all motorists.
Drowsy driving is actually quite dangerous. When an exhausted person operates a vehicle, he or she may not make safe decisions, notice potential hazards or appropriately follow the rules of the road. Like drunk drivers or distracted drivers, drowsy drivers can cause significant damage and harm to innocent people.
Sleepy driving is a risky behavior
There are many reasons why drowsy driving is dangerous. First of all, many people do not want to admit that they may be unable to drive safely. Additionally, law enforcement can do little to determine how tired a driver is, and many do not receive enough training on recognizing the signs of a dangerously tired driver. Despite the dangers of it, many people underestimate the serious nature of drowsiness behind the wheel. Consider the following:
- Four percent of adult drivers admit to being tired to the point of causing an accident or almost causing an accident behind the wheel.
- Driver fatigue may be the cause of approximately 100,000 car crashes every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Adults who have certain medications, work night shifts, have children or have certain medical conditions may be more prone to drowsy driving.
- A large percentage of people driving back and forth to work are drowsy, and some of them are too drowsy to drive safely.
Victims of drowsy driving have the right to hold liable parties accountable and to seek financial compensation. If you believe that a drowsy driver is the reason you suffered physically and financially after an accident, you may have a claim to a recovery of your losses.
Don’t sleep on your chance to file a claim
When you suffer because of the negligent or reckless actions of another person, you have a limited amount of time to take legal action. You would be wise to act quickly after an accident, starting by seeking an evaluation of your case and an explanation of your legal options. With the right help, it is possible to hold drowsy drivers accountable for the harm they caused.