Drowsy Driving Statistics
It is easy to feel that with each successive year, our schedules become busier, there are more demands on our time, and our responsibilities increase. Frequently, we cut back on sleep in order to get everything done. However, when people get behind the wheel while tired, they put themselves and everyone else on the road at risk. It’s not just a few Americans who do this; the numbers are staggering. However, most of us are unaware of just how many people are affected by drowsy drivers causing accidents each year, and just how common it is to make the mistake of driving while tired.
Accidents Caused by Drowsy Drivers
It’s easier than most people think to fall asleep at the wheel, and this happens more often than we might imagine. There are not exact statistics on the number of accidents caused by drowsy drivers each year, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has put together some estimates based on the statistics that are available:
- Drowsy driving accidents cause more than $12 billion in monetary loss each year
- NHTSA estimates that there are more than 100,000 tired driver accidents a year
- These accidents result in 1,500 deaths and more than 70,000 injuries
Driving while drowsy can have serious and even deadly results. These accidents are especially hazardous because the drivers are unaware they are about to crash, and thus rarely perform any maneuvers to try to lessen the impact of the collision.
Contact Us
If you were injured by a drowsy driver, call the Racine car accident lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. at 800-242-2874 to discuss your legal options.
