drowsy driving

Have you ever gotten behind the wheel when you were feeling sleepy? If so, you’re not alone. Sixty percent of all adults admit to driving while drowsy in the past year. And a shocking 37 percent – or 103 million drivers – say they have actually fallen asleep. Fatigued driving does not get the same attention as drunk driving or texting while driving. But it is just as dangerous:

  • Around 100,000 car crashes are caused by driver fatigue each year.
  • Up to 1,550 people are killed and 71,000 are injured as a result.
  • This costs the country $12.5 billion in losses.

And these figures may be the tip of the iceberg since it is sometimes difficult to attribute crashes to sleepiness.

Watch Our Video About Drowsy Driving Accidents

If you or a member of your family has been in a car accident that might have been caused by fatigued driving, you are entitled to a free case review. Our South Carolina car accident lawyers at Joye Law Firm have nearly 250 years of combined legal experience fighting for injured people and families.

Call Joye Law Firm. Contact us at (888) 324-3100 or use this online contact form. The call is free and confidential.

Sleepy Drivers Can Cause Car Accidents

One in 24 adults says they have nodded off while driving. But you don’t have to actually doze to be a danger to yourself, your passengers and others on the road. Simply being tired or worn out is enough to slow your reflexes, attention and reaction time.

Between two and three percent of all car accidents are caused by fatigued driving – also known as driving while sleepy and drowsy driving.

Some drivers are at high risk for fatigued driving, including:

  • Commercial drivers
  • Long-distance truckers
  • People with sleeping disorders, such as sleep apnea
  • Those who work at night or work long shifts
  • Any driver who is taking medication that has a sedating effect
  • Anyone who doesn’t get an average of 7 to 9 hours of sleep at night
  • Drivers who use alcohol or drugs before driving
  • Young people and the elderly

Fatigued Driving in South Carolina is Preventable

Fatigued driving is a form of careless or reckless driving.

Here are some warning signs to pull over for a rest – or avoid driving in the first place:

  • Difficulty focusing
  • Frequent blinking or heavy eyelids
  • Daydreaming or wandering thoughts
  • Trouble remembering the last few miles driven
  • Missing an exit or traffic sign
  • Yawning repeatedly
  • Rubbing your eyes
  • Trouble keeping your head up
  • Drifting from your lane or hitting a shoulder rumble strip
  • Tailgating
  • Feeling restless and irritable.

Without sufficient sleep, brain function begins to slow down. After being awake for 18 hours, an average person’s mental impairment can equal that of someone who is legally intoxicated.

Talk to a South Carolina Fatigued Driving Lawyer Today

Operating a motor vehicle is a privilege. If someone abuses that privilege by driving while drowsy and you are injured as a result, you could have a right to be compensated for your losses.

Call Joye Law Firm. Our South Carolina personal injury lawyers will be happy to review your case for free. Joye Law Firm has offices in Charleston, Clinton and Myrtle Beach, but we represent clients across South Carolina.

Call (888) 324-3100 or use this online contact form to get started on your case today.

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Testimonials

Unfortunately, I was involved in another vehicle accident. Once again Jeff and his team have been great. Holly is a wonderful case manager; easy to talk too, professional and compassionate. She is dedicated to her work and responds to calls and emails promptly. Thanks again Jeff, Holly and Beth, honestly I don’t know what I would do without this dynamic team! My husband and I were in an automobile accident 2 days before Christmas 2017. Jeff Gerardi was recommended to me by a court reporter, who’s opinion I valued. Jeff and everyone at Joye Law Firm were wonderful. Jeff is a straight shooter and with excellent communication. He helped my husband I have a positive outcome from a negative situation. Thanks again!

Review by: Suzanna Wright
Reviewing: Car Accident Legal Services
Date published: 01/30/2020
Rating: ★★★★★ 5 / 5 stars