Sleep deprivation is startingly common for today’s adults. Research shows that around 37% of adults in New Jersey don’t get enough hours of sleep per night. This is dangerous because sleep deprivation can cause negative impacts on humans. In fact, the National Sleep Foundation has found that sleep deprivation has similar effects to alcohol intoxication because both can temporarily alter a person’s cognitive abilities, such as coordination and reaction times. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of the seriousness of this issue, and drowsy driving accidents might be more common than you think. Continue reading this blog to learn more, or reach out to a New Jersey Auto Accident Lawyer today for an initial consultation.
ARE DROWSY DRIVING ACCIDENTS COMMON?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that approximately 100,000 car accidents per year are caused by fatigued driving. However, the number is likely much higher because not all drowsy driving accidents are accurately reported. This is because it can be difficult to tell if drowsiness caused the at-fault driver to crash. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that there are over 300,000 drowsy driving crashes annually.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DROWSY DRIVING?
If you think you are too tired to drive, you probably are. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you should only drive when you’re fully sober and alert. If you experience any of the following symptoms while driving, you should pull over:
- Frequent yawning
- Difficulty keeping eyes open
- Short-term memory loss
- Confusion
- Nodding or dozing off
- Drifting between lanes
- Difficulty maintaining speed
- Missing road signs, exits, or turns
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?
Police officers and emergency medical personnel should arrive at the scene of the accident to determine what happened and provide care to injured victims. The officers will likely interview everyone involved in the accident as well as witnesses, and then they’ll file an official police report that indicates the official cause of the accident. New Jersey is a no-fault state for car accidents though. This means that no matter which driver caused the accident, your own auto insurance will be liable for your damages. However, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim if you were injured in a car collision that was caused by a driver practicing negligent behaviors. Someone driving while fatigued could be considered negligent because they should know that drowsy driving can be dangerous to the general public. Remember that drowsy driving is considered impaired driving.
Have you recently been injured in an auto collision that was caused by a fatigued driver? If so, you might be seeking a dedicated personal injury attorney who can help you fight for your best interests. Look no further because our highly experienced legal team is on your side every step of the way! Contact the Law Office of Craig M. Rothenberg today for an initial consultation.
