Fatigued driving is a serious problem, though it is difficult to determine the full extent of the issue because of inconsistencies in the way accident causes are determined and reported throughout the country. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says that drowsy driving is a factor in approximately 2.5 percent of all collisions. The NHTSA estimates that drowsy driving causes about 900 fatal crashes and 37,000 injury accidents each year.
A study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety concluded that people who get just six to seven hours of sleep a night are twice as likely to be involved in a crash as those who get eight hours or more of sleep. Those who sleep five hours or less are four to five times more likely to be involved in a crash. The study also found that males ages 18 to 29 are more likely than other groups to drive while drowsy. Unfortunately, 60 percent of parents do not discuss the dangers of driving while drowsy with their children, according to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation.
Earlier this month, a 16-year-old fell asleep on State Route 308 north of Silverdale, Wash., and crashed his vehicle into a tree, according to the Washington State Patrol. The teen was transported to Bremerton Harrison Hospital. Thankfully, he does not appear to have been seriously injured, and no other passengers or vehicles were involved.
Injured? A Yakima Valley Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Washington State car accident caused by drowsy driving, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries or your loss. The Washington State injury accident attorneys at Mariano Morales Law help people in the Yakima Valley area who have been hurt in motor vehicle accidents. Our legal team can help you get through the legal process and make sure that the responsible party is held accountable.
Contact Mariano Morales Law today by calling (509) 853-2222 or by using our online contact form for your free initial consultation.
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