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“Drowsy driving” is an underrated danger on the roads

On Behalf of | Oct 22, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Most news stories and public policy campaigns that point out the dangers on the roadways in Louisiana and attempt to raise awareness usually focus on drunk driving and, more than ever these days, distracted driving. There is no doubt that those two issues are of primary concern for all drivers and passengers on the roadways, but there is another, underrated danger on the roads that all of our readers in New Orleans should be aware of: “drowsy driving.”

Is there data to back this claim?

Just as lives are jeopardized when a person gets behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated, or when a person is distracted behind the wheel, so too are lives jeopardized when a driver is overly tired and, as a result, not fully capable of operating a motor vehicle with proper care and attention.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in one recent year – 2017 – nearly 800 people in America died in motor vehicle accidents in which drowsy driving was said to be a factor. While that may seem like a small number, it is important to remember that drowsy driving, like drunk or distracted driving, is entirely preventable. NHTSA statistics also show that in 2017 there were approximately 91,000 motor vehicle accidents in America that were said to have involved drowsy driving.

Taking action after a drowsy driving accident

Anyone in Louisiana who has been injured in a car accident that was caused by a drowsy driver may have legal options to consider. A personal injury lawsuit may lead to an award of financial compensation that could help injured victims pay the unexpected medical bills and other costs that usually arise in the aftermath of a car accident.

However, it is important to point out that each car accident is unique. A wide variety of factors may come into play if one of the parties pursues legal action. Injured victims should be sure to get the right information about the options in their own unique situation.