Efforts by law enforcement professionals, activist groups and politicians over the past 30 years have raised awareness of the problem of drunk driving in Ohio and around the country. As a result, many people have become aware of the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In recent years, people have become more aware of other hazardous behavior behind the wheel, such as being distracted due to texting and driving, or perhaps not getting enough sleep.
Unfortunately, many people who would never think of driving a vehicle, even after just one drink, regularly drive when they’ve had too little sleep. It’s an understandable problem, as many people are overwhelmed by family and work responsibilities and simply can’t get to bed at an early hour. Others have sleep disorders that make getting a full night’s rest impossible. The trouble is that driving while drowsy causes car accidents.
In 2010, AAA did a study showing that drowsy driving contributed to one out of six fatal car accidents. A more recent AAA survey found that more than 40 percent of the respondents admitted to nodding off or falling asleep behind the wheel at least once in their past.
People who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a sleep-deprived or otherwise negligent driver will often face high medical expenses while they are recovering. In many cases, they often lose the wages that they would have earned had they been able to work. A personal injury attorney can be of assistance in seeking compensation for those and other losses through a lawsuit filed against the at-fault motorist.