If you encounter a drowsy driver, they could cause a serious accident that leaves you with serious injuries. It is essential for drivers to understand various risk factors associated with drowsy driving and stay alert at all times while behind the wheel. Moreover, you should go over statistics on drowsy driving crashes in order to realize how prevalent they actually are.
Sadly, some drivers do not focus on road safety and operate a vehicle even though they have dangerous fatigue. Moreover, some do not realize that they currently have drowsiness or fatigue which adversely affects their driving abilities.
Drowsy driving risk factors
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration outlines various risk factors that lead to drowsy driving. For example, many drivers struggle with drowsiness because they do not get enough sleep. Some people, such as teens and new mothers, are especially likely to lack sleep. Long-term sleep disorders and even a single night of bad sleep can lead to drowsy driving.
In addition to sleep-related concerns, some drivers become drowsy because they have to drive late at night or in the early morning. Working different shifts, drinking alcohol, taking certain medications and driving for lengthy periods of time can also result in drowsy driving.
Statistics on drowsy driving
The NHTSA states that a majority of drowsy driving accidents occur from 12 AM to 6 AM and during the late afternoon. In 2017, drowsy driving caused close to 800 deaths and about 50,000 injuries, according to estimates. Throughout 2017, law enforcement received reports of roughly 91,000 traffic crashes that involved drivers suffering from fatigue, according to NHTSA estimates.