Like drivers throughout the United States, Kentucky drivers fall asleep behind the wheel in disturbing numbers, causing a risk for themselves and other motorists on the road. Since there are no laws against drowsy driving, people may be underestimating the danger of getting behind the wheel without an adequate amount of sleep. This dramatically increases the risk of a serious accident.
The fatigued driving survey numbers are disturbing
The survey numbers indicate that about 20% of drivers admit to falling asleep behind the wheel in the past year. Falling asleep can mean that they nod off briefly. About two in five drivers admit that they have fallen asleep while driving at one point in their driving careers. The dangers of this have significant consequences. In 2015, roughly 5,000 people were killed in accidents that involved fatigued driving.
The many dangers of fatigued driving
The dangers of fatigued driving are numerous. The primary effects are that it will reduce your alertness and lengthen your response time behind the wheel. Generally, drowsy driving accidents will be even more severe because the driver makes less or no effort to slow down or avoid the accident. Many do not understand that fatigued driving is every bit as dangerous as drunk driving. In fact, if you get behind the wheel after not having slept for 20 hours, it is considered the same as if you are driving with a .08 blood alcohol level. That is the equivalent to driving drunk.
If you have been injured in an accident with a drowsy driver, you may be able to recover for the injuries and damage that you have suffered from the wreck. So long as you can prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident, you can file a claim that will result in your being paid. The first step is to consult with a car accidents attorney to learn more about how you would file such a claim.
