Fatigued drivers a leading cause of Houston trucking accidents

A recent study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals that more than 40 percent of drivers have fallen asleep while driving at some time in their driving history. One in four admitted they had driven despite hardly being able to keep their eyes open within one month of being surveyed.

Our Houston car accident lawyers know that about 16.5 percent of all fatal car accidents nationwide have been linked to driver fatigue. The AAA Foundation CEO went so far as to say driving fatigued has similar effects on driver judgment, awareness and reaction time as drug or alcohol intoxication. Texas trucking accidents share similar statistics, despite attempts by the government to use hours-of-service regulations and other rules aimed at reducing the risk of serious or fatal tractor-trailer accidents being caused by fatigued truckers.

The survey also revealed that 85 percent of drivers found it “completely unacceptable” for a driver to get behind the wheel and drive-while-exhausted. AAA vice-president of public affairs suggests drivers do so anyway because they underestimate the risk of a drowsy driver falling asleep at anytime.

According to the National Sleep Foundation it is “conservatively” estimated that fatigued driving can be linked to about 100,000 serious car accidents annually that claim 1,550 lives. Another 70,000 are injured at a total cost cost $12.5 billion in lost wages and productivity, medical expenses and vehicle repairs. Most at risk of being a fatigued driver are shift workers, young men and parents.

The NSF offers a few common-sense signs to look for that often indicate a driver is fatigued to the point of impairment:
~ If your eyelids feel heavy, you can’t keep your eyes open or you have trouble focusing.

~ If you lose track of travel time, catch yourself daydreaming while driving or struggle to maintain coherent thoughts.

~ If you feel restless, irritable or find yourself drifting between lanes or onto shoulder rumble strips.

To avoid drowsy driving and decrease your risk of a drowsy-driving related car accident, AAA recommends the following:
~ Before heading off on a long car trip – get a good night’s rest.

~ Take a driving break every 100 miles or every couple hours.

~ Drive during times when you are normally awake.

~ If you realize you are tired, STOP. A catnap and a dose of caffeine can work wonders for a tired driver.

If a you or someone you know or love has been injured in a serious or fatal Houston car accident, contact our Houston personal injury lawyers at Stephens Law firm by email or calling us at 713.224.0000 to set up a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights.