Drunk Driving or Drowsy Driving?
We all know just how dangerous drunk driving is. It accounts for roughly one third of all traffic fatalities by impairing reaction time, risk assessment, and the driver’s motor control. However, if the driver that hit you did not register a 0.08 blood alcohol level, they may have registered an unsafe level of fatigue if such a blood test existed. Unfortunately, drowsy driving has affected virtually all of us at some point or another. Whether it was during an early morning commute to the office or at the end of a long cross-country voyage, you put yourself and others at risk. But when a drowsy driver does end up causing injury to another, they need to be held accountable for their actions.
Truck Driver Kills Toddler, Severely Injures Two Others
As reported by CBS North Carolina, recently in Lumberton, North Carolina a truck driver swerved off the road and hit a roadsign, pulled back onto the road, overcorrected, and began to roll over. The truck hit a car coming from the other direction head-on, catching fire and killing the truck driver as well as spilling toxic chemicals everywhere. Two of the passengers within the car were airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, while a third passenger, who was just one year old, was killed at the scene. Police believe that speed and alcohol are not factors, which leaves a few likely scenarios: distraction or drowsy driving. Drowsy driving takes the lives of thousands every year.
Similarities Between Drunk Driving and Drowsy Driving
Like distracted driving statistics, the numbers for drowsy driving are most likely low since the drivers who cause crashes generally do not admit to how the crash occurred, and there is usually little in the way of hard evidence. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 25 drivers has reported falling asleep at the wheel in the last 30 days. Up to 6,000 fatal crashes may be caused every year due to drowsy driving. Falling asleep at the wheel has its obvious repercussions, while drowsy driving is unfortunately more of an accepted driving behavior. Drowsy driving slows reaction time, impairs decision making, and takes the driver’s eyes off the road for seconds at a time. The similarities between drunk and drowsy driving are many.
Common Errors Drowsy Drivers Make
- Follow too closely;
- Veer off the road;
- Drift into oncoming traffic;
- Fail to see pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists;
- Pull out in front of traffic due to lack of awareness;
- Make last minute or erratic lane changes, turns, and exits from highways;
- Drive too fast or too slowly; and
- Fail to use turn signals.
Call an Attorney Today for Compensation
If you were injured in a traffic collision, or a loved family member was killed, you need to get in touch with an attorney at once in order to maximize the financial compensation that the negligent party is held accountable for. The compassionate attorneys of McAllister, Aldridge & Kreinbrink, will help you recover your economic damages from the negligent party. Contact us today for help.