BEWARE: DROWSY DRIVING POSES THREAT TO CONNECTICUT’S DRIVERS

Everyday, thousands upon thousands of drivers take to Connecticut’s roadways. Although most of us are fortunate enough to get to our destination without issue, others are seriously injured in unexpected car accidents. After all, it only takes one mistake in close proximity to you for a serious car accident to result. Some of these mistakes are simply errors in judgment made by otherwise decent drivers, but other motorists climb behind the wheel while they are intoxicated. And there is another type of driver that is among the most dangerous: the tired driver.

The sad reality is that drowsy driving is more common than many people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one study found that one out of every 25 adult drivers has fallen asleep within the last 30 days. Another more recent study found that one out of every five motorists has fallen asleep while driving within the last year. About 40% of drivers admit to having fallen asleep at some point during the course of their driving history. Each year, hundreds of thousands of car accidents are caused by drowsy drivers, resulting in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries each year.

The effects of drowsy driving are significant. Driving abilities can be severely diminished, including:

• Increasing reaction time
• Decreasing awareness
• Limiting the ability to multitask
• Limiting ability to maintain speed and lane

In other words, drowsy driving has effects similar to drunk driving, meaning that it is extremely dangerous.

Public awareness campaigns have tried to highlight the symptoms of drowsy driving, including trouble keeping eyes open, yawning, nodding off, difficulty concentrating and recognizing street signs and traffic signals, and difficulty remembering the last few miles. Even technological advancements, such as lane departure warnings, have sought to curtail drowsy driving.

Yet, drowsy driving continues to plague the roads in Connecticut. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident caused by a drowsy driver, then you’re probably a little anxious about what the future holds and what you should do next, especially if you’re well-established in your job and face the very real possibility of losing significant wages.

You shouldn’t be afraid, though. After all, legal options may be available to you to help you seek an outcome that you deserve. With that being said, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the zealous advocacy you need and deserve.