Fatigued Driving Associated With High Number Of Car Crashes

March 27, 2012
Driving while sleep deprived is not only a danger to the tired driver, but to others on the road around them. Recent studies by the National Sleep Foundation suggest that driving while fatigued is as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
While reporting the number of crashes associated with fatigued driving is inconsistent due to a lack of coding in the police reporting system in certain states, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 100,000 crashes per year are caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel.
The most recent fatigued driving accident in our area happened Tuesday in Hollywood Heights, Illinois. According to KSDK 5 News, the crash happened around 1:00 a.m. on Route 159. Reports from officers at the scene say that the driver fell asleep at the wheel, veered off the road and went down an embankment before rolling several times. Rescue crews were able to pull the driver to safety and promptly took him to a local hospital for treatment to his injuries.
The Missouri Car Accident Lawyers with Cofman Townsley Injury Lawyers suggest that the best ways to avoid a fatigued driving accident is to always get plenty of rest before driving and never drink alcohol or take sleep inducing medications before getting behind the wheel. If you do get tired, pull over at the next safe location and rest immediately.