The CDC Reports on Drowsy Driving- What to Do After You’ve Been in a Drowsy Driving Accident
Did you know that 25% of fatal motor vehicle accidents involve drowsy driving? Our recent blog on drowsy driving gave you tips on how to help lower your chances of drowsy driving. This time, we’d like to give you an update with the most recent statistics from the CDC and a checklist of what to do after you are involved in a drowsy driving accident.
New Drowsy Driving Stats from the CDC
The CDC’s report, “Drowsy Driving and Risk Behaviors”, released on July 4th, shared some interesting new data on the risk factors associated with drowsy driving.
Drowsy Driving Risk Factors:
- Males under the age of 25 are the highest at risk group, but matching any of the characteristics below can put you at risk.
- If you regularly get less than 6 hours of sleep a night, you are 2 times more susceptible for drowsy driving than someone who gets at least 7 hours of sleep a night.
- Having a sleep disorder – even snoring – can make you up to 5 times more susceptible for drowsy driving.
- If you do not wear a seat belt regularly, you are almost twice as likely to drive drowsy compared to someone who wears their seat belt.
- Binge drinking (4-5 drinks) once a month or more makes you two times more susceptible to drowsy driving.
What to Do After a Drowsy Driving Accident:
- Remain at the scene and try to stay calm. Don’t move your car, but if necessary, move cars off the road to a safe place.
- Contact the police.
- Exchange the following information with all vehicle owners and drivers involved: name, address, phone number, email address, car insurance provider, policy number, driver’s license number, and the license plate number for each vehicle.
- Take photos of the accident scene, accident location, damage to each vehicle, and driver’s identification (license plates, insurance cards, etc.) to document the wreck.
- Review the police report afterwards to ensure that all facts were recorded accurately.
- Contact a personal injury attorney to recover money for damage to your vehicle, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other costs.
Understand the characteristics and risk factors of drowsy driving so you can avoid making this dangerous mistake. The best way to combat drowsy driving is to take a break from driving and get rest. Please also read our blog on how to lower your chances of drowsy driving accidents.
The personal injury attorneys at Buzzell, Welsh & Hill wish you safe travels, but if you happen to be involved in a drowsy driving accident, follow this guide to help ensure that the right steps are taken afterward.
Our Macon Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here To Help
If you or someone you know has been involved in a drowsy driving accident, the Macon personal injury attorneys at Buzzell, Welsh & Hill are experts at handling auto accident cases and will pursue compensation for your pain and suffering, damage done to your vehicle, payment of your medical bills, and reimbursement for lost wages.
For a free consultation, contact us today at (478) 217-2072 or click here to complete a contact form.
Resource:
1. Drowsy Driving and Risk Behaviors – 10 States and Puerto Rico. July 4, 2014. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6326a1.htm
