Alabama drivers should be aware of the risks of operating a vehicle while fatigued. One driver, who was on the way to surprise her friend in the middle of the night, learned this lesson the hard way when she crashed her vehicle after falling asleep at the wheel for just a couple seconds.
Many studies indicate that driving while fatigued, or drowsy driving, is a growing problem. Many believe that drowsy driving may actually be just as risky as driving while intoxicated. According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, which documents factors that contributed to car accidents. In 2011, approximately two percent of accidents that resulted in a fatality had drowsy driving listed as a factor. However, it is often unclear if a driver is drowsy or fatigued at the time the accident is reported by police officers.
The research director at AAA indicated that these results are inaccurate due to inaccurate reporting. In reality, he stated, approximately 73 percent are reported as having fatigue as a potential factor, but not an official factor, in the accident.
In order to combat this growing issue, a number of agencies are increasing the awareness about the risks of driving while fatigued. A number of car companies developed systems that actually sense if the driver is fatigued and warns them. However, the most effective way for drivers to combat this risky behavior is to simply not drive when feeling drowsy.
Drivers who drive while fatigued are at risk for causing car accidents. Those who are injured in a wreck that was caused by a drowsy driver may wish to seek legal advice from an Alabama attorney in order to seek compensation to help cover a wide variety of damages, including medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Source: AOL Autos, “Drowsy Driving Accident Highlights Danger Of Underreported Problem“, Michael Zak, September 11, 2013
