Syracuse, NY- Most drivers know not to get behind the wheel when they’re drunk or on medication that can affect their driving abilities, but there is one impairment far too many drivers ignore: fatigue. A drowsy or fatigued driver poses the same dangers as alcohol-impaired or distracted driver, and yet too many motorists don’t think twice about driving when they’re tired.
Driver Fell Asleep Before Central New York Crash
New York State Police say that the driver of a box truck fell asleep just moments before colliding with a van carrying five passengers around 11:30 a.m. on July 4, 2017. CNYCentral.com reports that the box truck driver was traveling on Interstate 81 in Nedrow, New York when he dozed off and crossed the center median into the southbound lanes.
The box truck hit a van carrying five passengers. All five passengers, which included one child, were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment. CNYCentral.com says none of the injuries were serious.
The driver of the box truck was not injured, and it is unclear if they were issued a citation.
What Risks Are Associated with Drowsy Driving?
Approximately 45 percent of Americans say they are sleep-deprived or could use more sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation. That sleep deprivation is a major hazard on the road affecting a motorist’s vision and decision-making skills.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving “impairs performance” by delaying their reaction times and causing them to miss important visual cues. Drowsy drivers also doze off and leave their lane or the roadway. Like drunk drivers, fatigued or drowsy drivers are unaware that they are impaired and ignore sleepiness.
Drowsy and Fatigued Driving
The scope of drowsy driving is not entirely known because it is underreported. Some state law enforcement agencies don’t have a special category for drowsy driving and include such accidents under a blanket category like “driver error” or “other.” Police also rely on drivers to admit they fell asleep, and many won’t, for obvious reasons.
In recent analysis of national fatal crash statistics between 2009 and 2013, the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration found that drowsy driving was responsible for over 72,000 accidents. Additional analysis from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that 16.5 percent of nationwide fatal crashes involved a drowsy driver.
Contact an Accident Attorney in Syracuse
If a drowsy driver hurts you, let USAttorneys.com connect you with an accident lawyer in Syracuse. You will have a stronger injury claim and be more likely to recover the compensation you deserve when you have legal counsel. Our attorneys will make your case a priority and won’t rest until you are satisfied with your accident compensation. Don’t wait to get legal advice; arrange a consultation today.
Source: http://accident.usattorneys.com/articles/feed/
Drowsy Driver Injures Five in Central New York
Source: http://www.injurylegalfirm.com/drowsy-driver-injures-five-in-central-new-york/
Law Offices of Carissa Kranz 