Drowsy driving increasing, a wake-up call for Connecticut drivers

Friday January 10, 2014

A disregard for traffic regulations, drunk driving and distracted driving are bad enough. Motorists, including Connecticut drivers, now have another negligent driving habit to worry about. According to the Automobile Association of America’s Foundation for Traffic Safety, drowsy driving is becoming a threat as one in four drivers have been struggling to keep their eyes open while behind the wheel.

Research shows that drivers aged 19 to 24 were most likely to drive while they were drowsy. This accounted for 33 percent of the cases. On the other hand, the oldest drivers, aged 75 and older, and the youngest, 16 to 18 years old, were least likely to drive while extremely tired or sleepy at 22 percent. The figures reflect cases from the previous month.

According to AAA’s Vice President for Public and Government Affairs, drowsy driving is a threat to motorists. He stated that drivers overestimate their ability to drive while they are sleepy or tired. He stressed that drowsy driving slows vision and a driver’s reaction time and causes lapses in decision making as well, similar to drunk driving. In a 2010 AAA study, drowsy driving was responsible for 17 percent of fatal crashes and 13 percent of accidents that resulted in hospitalization.

The AAA Vice President also noted that drivers should not downplay their fatigue. He stated that as drivers are worn out from family obligations and work, they should consider taking a rest rather than getting behind the wheel. If people push their limits while in a fatigued state, it can be detrimental to people’s safety.

However, when it comes to drowsy driving, it is not only the safety of the New Haven driver that is compromised but also the other motorists. Drowsy driving can easily lead to a car accident. In such a case, a driver can be held legally responsible for the accident and will be required to pay damages to the victims.

Source: Wicked Local, “One in four drivers report struggling to stay awake,” Dec. 30, 2013

Get in Touch

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation

At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today.

News & insights
KJSR Recognized as Best Personal Injury Firm in CT - 2024
News

KJSR Recognized as Best Personal Injury Firm in CT - 2024

8

February
2024

Can You File a Claim for Injuries Suffered After a Failure-to-Yield Car Accident?
Articles

Can You File a Claim for Injuries Suffered After a Failure-to-Yield Car Accident?

7

December
2023

What Happens if You Fall at Work? (and What to Do Next)
Articles

What Happens if You Fall at Work? (and What to Do Next)

7

December
2023

4 Steps to Take After a Medical Misdiagnosis
Articles

4 Steps to Take After a Medical Misdiagnosis

15

November
2023

News

KJSR Recognized in 2024 edition of Best Law Firms in America®

2

November
2023

Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance?
Articles

Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance?

12

October
2023

Surgical Stapler Injuries: Can You File a Lawsuit?
Articles

Surgical Stapler Injuries: Can You File a Lawsuit?

9

October
2023

Everything You Need to Know Before Filing a Pharmaceutical Lawsuit
Insights

Everything You Need to Know Before Filing a Pharmaceutical Lawsuit

21

September
2023

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Deceased After the Accident?
Articles

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Deceased After the Accident?

18

September
2023

What To Do After a Road Construction Accident
Articles

What To Do After a Road Construction Accident

12

September
2023