USA Today recently published the results of a AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study showing that drivers who are sleep deprived are significantly more likely to be involved in a serious car collision, similar to the increased risk of collision that results from drunk (or “buzzed”) driving. The study reviewed thousands of car crashes, but only collisions that occurred between 6a.m. and midnight were included, which may mean that the study actually underestimates the effect of sleep deprivation. According to the article, previous studies have shown that the effects of sleep deprivation on attention and performance are greatest during the early morning hours.
The increased risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident when a driver is sleep deprived is actually quite astonishing. The study showed that drivers who had skipped just one of the recommended seven hours of sleep were approximately 30% more likely to be involved in a serious crash. Drivers who received 5-6 hours of sleep were almost twice as likely to be involved in a collision as those who received seven hours or more, and drivers who slept 4-5 hours were more than four times as likely to crash. Most significantly, the study showed that drivers operating on less than four hours of sleep were 11.5 times more likely to be in a motor vehicle collision resulting in injury than their well-rested counterparts.
Goings Law Firm, LLC wants to remind South Carolina drivers to be safe and vigilant whenever they are behind the wheel. Be sure to get enough sleep at night, take frequent breaks when traveling long distances, and try to travel with an alert passenger, especially at night. The personal injury lawyers at the Goings Law Firm, LLC know all too well the life-altering injuries that can occur when drivers are not alert and focused on the road.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident and need help, call us at (803) 350-9230. Our personal injury attorneys may be able to assist you with the applicable legal process and help you obtain the compensation you need.
