Exploring the Dangers of Sleepy Driving

 Posted on April 11, 2023 in Personal Injury

Most of us know that we should get eight hours of sleep a night. However, between work, caring for children, managing household duties, and other responsibilities, most people do not have enough time to get the sleep that they need. Unfortunately, sleepiness is not just annoying, it can be extremely dangerous.

When drivers are sleep deprived, they are much more likely to make dangerous mistakes behind the wheel. Research shows that some drivers even experience microsleeps, or short bursts of sleep that are only a few seconds long. However, when you are driving 60 miles an hour, even a lapse of concentration of a few seconds is enough to cause a serious or even deadly accident.

If you or a loved one were involved in a car crash and you suspect that the other driver was asleep at the wheel or too fatigued to drive safely, you may be able to file a personal injury claim and recover compensation.

How Does Sleep Reduce Driving Ability?

Although most adults take it for granted, driving is a complex endeavor involving visual, manual, and cognitive processes. Research has shown that not getting enough sleep can cause difficulty paying attention, slowed reaction times, and reduced decision-making ability. These are abilities that are crucial for driving. It is no surprise then that many car crashes are thought to be related to fatigue driving.

Many people underestimate just how severely sleepiness can impact them. One study found that the decreased alertness and impaired performance associated with sleep deprivation was equal to if not greater than the impairment caused by alcohol intoxication. Even moderate sleep deprivation can have a significant impact on a person's ability to drive.

Personal Injury Claims for Car Accidents

If a fatigued driver caused a crash in which you or a loved one were injured, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. A claim may allow for the recovery of compensation for economic damages as well as non-economic damages such as your pain and suffering. The cost of your vehicle repair, medical bills, ongoing medical costs, lost income, and other expenses may be covered.

Contact our Orland Park Car Accident Injury Lawyer

Sleepiness behind the wheel is a significant contributing factor to many car accidents. If you or a family member were hurt in a crash caused by a fatigued driver, contact Schwartz Injury Law to discuss your legal options.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys can help you build a claim, negotiate an insurance settlement, or if needed, represent your interests in court. We will do whatever it takes to pursue the compensation you are entitled to. Call our office today at 708-888-2160 for a completely free, no obligation initial consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nature.com/articles/40775

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-you-should-know-about-microsleep/