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Dangers of drowsy driving and motor vehicle accidents

On Behalf of | Apr 7, 2021 | Car Accidents

A significant underlying cause of New Jersey motor vehicle accidents is a fatigued or drowsy driver. Every year in New Jersey and across the United States, serious crashes occur because of drowsy drivers, resulting in severe and sometimes fatal injuries.

Essential facts about drowsy driving

The data surrounding drowsy driving and motor vehicle accidents in the United States are alarming. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that over 100,000 motor vehicle accidents were the result of drowsy driving in 2019.

In the last year the NHTSA amassed comprehensive data on these results of drowsy driving motor vehicle accidents, the agency reported 44,000 injuries and approximately 800 deaths. About 50% of all motorists report that they have driven their vehicles even when they feel tired. An estimated one out of 25 drivers report that they have fallen asleep while behind the steering wheel of their vehicles.

Understanding the impact of fatigue

According to the NHTSA, research reveals that a person who has been awake for 18 hours is impaired in a manner similar to a person with a blood alcohol content of .05. This approaches the line of driving under the influence of alcohol in most states. A person who has been awake for 24 hours is impacted in a manner similar to an individual with a BAC of .10, above the legal limit for driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Occupants of other vehicles who have been injured in a crash caused by a drowsy driver often require extensive medical care and treatment. They might find it advisable to have a lawyer’s help when seeking compensation for the losses that they have incurred.

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