If you are like most people, you probably deal with tiredness and fatigue from time to time. Studies show that most of us do not get as much sleep as we need. When a driver feels too sleepy to drive safely or starts to nod off at the wheel, he or she should pull off of the road and rest. Sleep deprivation can cause reduced concentration, shortened reaction time, cognitive lapses, and inattention to the road. If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident caused by someone who was sleepy or even asleep at the wheel, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages.
Sleep Deprivation’s Effect on the Brain
You may be surprised to learn that many experts consider drowsy driving to be just as dangerous as drunk driving. This is because the effects of sleep deprivation can be similar to the effects of alcohol. Being sleepy makes us slower to respond and less capable of sound decision-making. Sleep deprivation can mean the difference between avoiding a collision and being involved in a serious auto accident.
Drowsy Driving Crash Statistics
In one recent study, researchers found a profound connection between sleep deprivation and auto accidents. Adults are supposed to get 7-9 hours of rest on average. According to the study, individuals who slept only 5-6 hours the night before were twice as likely to be involved in an accident. Sleeping just 4-5 hours quadruples your chances of being in an accident. If a driver has slept less than 4 hours in a 24 hour period, he or she is a staggering 12 times more likely to be in a crash.
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