According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least 693 people were killed in traffic accidents in 2022 that were attributed to drowsy driving. The NHTSA also says that over 91,000 police-reported crashes in 2017 involved drowsy or fatigued drivers. The problem is just as serious here in Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation reported that over 9,000 accidents were due to driver fatigue in Texas in 2022. The federal government has taken this issue so seriously that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration limits the number of hours truck drivers can work before they are required to take a break.
If you were injured in an accident in which you believe drowsy driving was involved, you need a San Antonio drowsy driving accident attorney who can investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Dangers of Drowsy Driving
According to the Sleep Foundation, drowsy driving can mimic many of the characteristics associated with drunk driving. Drowsy driving slows reaction times and affects alertness and decision-making. It impacts a driver’s ability to stay vigilant on the road and respond appropriately. After 18 hours of being awake, the effects on reaction time, vigilance, multi-tasking, and hand-eye coordination are similar to those of someone with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%. After 20 hours, the effects are similar to a person’s responses who has a BAC of 0.08%.
A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that sleeping six to seven hours a night doubled the risk of being involved in a crash, and getting less than five hours of sleep doubled it again.
Recognizing Signs of Drowsy Driving
Spotting signs of drowsy driving in someone in another vehicle or the driver of the vehicle that you are a passenger in may help prevent injuries. These are common signs associated with drowsy drivers:
- Drifting out of their lane
- Frequent yawning or blinking
- Missed exits or traffic signals
- Difficulty remembering the last few miles driven or a conversation
- Closed eyes or nodding off
What to Do After a Drowsy Driving Accident in San Antonio
If you are involved in an accident with a drowsy driver in San Antonio, follow these steps to protect your health and legal claims.
- Call the police and report your suspicions.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Use your cellphone camera to take pictures or videos of the accident scene.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact information.
- Contact an experienced San Antonio car accident lawyer for further assistance.
Contact Us Today If You Were Hurt in a San Antonio Fatigued Driving Car Wreck
If you were injured in an avoidable car accident that was caused by someone else’s drowsiness, you need an experienced San Antonio truck accident lawyer who will pursue the compensation you need. You should not be left bearing the consequences caused by someone else’s negligent decision to drive beyond their physical capabilities. Contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers today to get started with a free case review.