Don't Fall Asleep at the Wheel - The Dangers of Drowsy Driving in New York
Highly structured schedules and work demands have too many drivers on New York's roadways driving while drowsy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates over 40,000 people a year are injured and 1,500 are killed as a result of drowsy driving related crashes.
These numbers may not reflect the full scope of the problem because the level of fatigue is not readily measureable like drugs and alcohol. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles reported 256,953 motor vehicle accidents in 2009. Although authorities only attributed 1,301 of the car crashes directly to drowsy driving, the report contained several additional categories that also indicate driver fatigue contributed to the accident. These factors include:
- 3,223 crashes where a driver fell asleep at the wheel
- 1,088 accidents resulting from a loss of consciousness
- 47,713 crashes caused by a driver being either distracted or inattentive
- 8,439 crashes as a result of alcohol consumption
- 407 accidents from prescription drug use
- 537 accidents as a result of illegal drug use
Studies have shown certain drivers pose a greater threat than others to drivers on the road.
Shift Workers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, shift workers are at the greatest risk of having a fatigue related accident. The elevated risk is due to the nature of their work. Shift workers either work night shifts or other schedules outside of the standard workday. These workers typically have to sleep during the day and get less sleep than their nine to five counterparts. Shift workers average only five hours of sleep a night.
Young Drivers
Car accidents are the leading contributor to teen deaths, more than homicide and suicide combined. According to the NHTSA, motor vehicle crashes are responsible for 35 percent of all teen deaths.
Inexperienced teen drivers on roadways are cause for everyone to be concerned. Research is now revealing that teens are employing dangerous distracted driving techniques such as texting, loud music and talking on a cell phone to combat fatigue.
Commercial Drivers
Although accidents have increased overall in the past decade, crashes of commercial trucks, buses, motor coaches and tractor trailers continue to make headlines. The most common cause of these accidents is truck driver fatigue.
Despite regulations governing its operation, the commercial driving industry continues to place pressure on truckers to reach their destinations quickly with tight delivery schedules and compensation structures that require efficiency. The unfortunate byproduct of this system is driver fatigue. Truckers who work long hours and do not get enough sleep end up drowsy. When exhaustion overtakes them, devastating injuries and death can follow.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has proposed a change in the daily driving limit from 11 hours to 10 hours. The new law would limit the maximum number of hours a trucker can work in a day from 14 hours to 13. The new law would also require truck drivers to take at least 34 hours off, including two nights, once they have reached their weekly driving limit.
Recognizing the Signs of Fatigue
Regardless of whether drivers belong to one of these groups or not, it is important to recognize the signs of drowsiness so they can be addressed and an accident can be avoided. The National Sleep Foundation assembled a list of the following indications that you may be fatigued:
- Drifting on the roadway, swerving, hitting road strips, and/or tailgating
- Passing by your exit or missing traffic signs
- Having troubles focusing, heavy eyelids and blinking often
- Slipping into daydreams frequently
- Having difficulty holding your head up
- Yawning a lot
- An inability to remember the past few miles driven
- Feelings of restlessness, aggressiveness or irritability
It is every driver's responsibility to pay attention to their condition and make sure they are fit for the road.
Measures to Mitigate Drowsy Driving
There are several steps that can be taken before and after getting on the road to avoid drowsy driving and address it once it has been identified. The first suggestion probably seems like the most obvious - get a good night's sleep. Drivers who find themselves repeatedly tired at the wheel may need to adjust their schedules to make sure they are not jeopardizing lives when they get behind the wheel.
The second suggestion, like the first, will appear to be common sense. Individuals who have had alcohol or any medication that could cause drowsiness should avoid driving and utilize a buddy or sober cab to get them where they need to be. Drivers who do not have a friend to help them should carefully evaluate whether a drink is really important.
When travelling long distances drivers should make sure they do not drive alone and take time to rest every two hours or 100 miles. Drivers should also take their time to get their destination. Getting there quickly isn't worth an accident.
Drivers who find themselves fatigued should ingest something with caffeine, such as coffee or tea, pull over for a 15 to 20 minute nap or ask someone else to drive.
Potential Criminal Consequences
While there is already a law barring commercial drivers of buses or motor coaches from driving while drowsy, the New York legislature is taking steps to make all drivers on New York roads criminally responsible for drowsy driving. The new law, which was introduced in January, would make it a misdemeanor for any driver to operate a motor vehicle while fatigued. If a driver's drowsy condition causes the death of another, they could face felony charges.
Lasting Effects
Car and truck accidents can be fatal. Even when they don't kill, they frequently result in serious physical injuries including broken bones and spinal cord injuries. Some injuries don't heal completely and result in a lifetime of pain and the need for ongoing medical care. These injuries can be devastating emotionally and financially.
It is important for anyone who has been hurt in a car or truck crash to talk with attorneys who can listen and understand his or her needs. There is no substitute for experience. If you have been injured or a family member has been killed in a car or truck accident, you should contact a Rochester personal injury lawyer who can review your options with you.
