Not mentioned often enough - either in this blog or other forums - is the inherent danger associated with driving drowsy or driving fatigued.
A number of highly publicized accidents have traced their causes to persons who have fallen asleep behind the wheel of their car while driving.
Consider the following accidents.
Recently a semi truck driver fell asleep at the wheel of his rig as it was motoring down an interstate highway. His truck drifted across several lanes of the highway running headlong into a grove of trees where it finally came to rest partially turned over. Fortunately no one was injured and the cargo was reloaded over several hours. The driver got a motel room after he was cited.
A car full of young kids was returning from a vacation - attempting to make it home in record time by driving through the night. The only problem was that the young man who was driving fell asleep at the wheel. The car crossed the center line and before the accident was over several of his friends were dead. Oh but for the cost of a hotel room and a few extra hours...
Some estimates state that up to twenty percent of wrongful death accidents are caused by drowsy drivers who may actually fall asleep behind the wheel or whose reaction time is slowed and who are not fully aware of their driving surroundings.
In addition, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration believes that drowsy drivers cause up to 100,000 auto accidents as well.
Coffee and energy drinks are no replacement for a good night's sleep. Drive safely.
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston wrongful death attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a Houston personal injury attorney call the Baumgartner firm.
