Whenever anyone gets behind the wheel of a car, the potential for harm is always present. Whether it be another driver’s mistake, a pedestrian who crosses at an unmarked intersection, or a truck driver who was not paying attention to the road ahead of them, the bottom line is that driving can be a very dangerous activity, one that requires the complete attention of the person in control of the vehicle.
However, despite the dangers inherent in driving a car, truck, or motorcycle, motorists continue to push their own physical limits by trying to stay awake in order to “make good time” or avoid the cost of a hotel. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that there are about 100,000 accidents caused each year by drowsy driving. This results in approximately 1,550 fatalities annually. One startling statistic revealed that approximately 37% of drivers admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel at one time or another.
Given the dangers involved with drowsy driving, those who get behind the wheel when they are too tired to safely operate a vehicle may be considered legally negligent. When such negligence causes an injury to another motorist or pedestrian, the drowsy driver may be held liable through a civil negligence lawsuit brought by the injured party or their loved ones.