Study Finds Drowsy Driving More Prevalent Than Previously Known

While on the road, have you ever noticed yourself drifting off? Head bobbing? Yawning frequently? According to a recent study performed by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, drowsy driving is an even bigger problem than people originally imagined.

The researchers provided the over 100 study participants with vehicles equipped with high-tech sensors to monitor their driving habits. The participants then used the vehicles for all of their normal driving during 2003 and 2004.

The study revealed that drowsy drivers are actually the cause of approximately 20 percent of all motor vehicle accidents. Previously, researchers had estimated that fatigue led to only between two to three percent of all traffic collisions.

In addition, the researchers found an unexpected trend – more people were either in accidents or almost in accidents as a result of fatigue during daytime hours. A less surprising finding was that young drivers were more frequently involved in motor vehicle accidents caused by fatigue than other demographics.

Of all of the drivers involved in the study, 38 were involved in motor vehicle accidents or so-called near-crashes. In total, there were 82 accidents during the course of the study and 761 near-crashes. Not surprisingly, some drivers were more likely to cause drowsy driving collisions or near-crashes. In fact, just 11 of the study participants were responsible for 58 percent of the drowsy driving accidents or near-crashes.

Those who are injured in motor vehicle accidents caused by fatigued drivers may be eligible for damages because of the harm caused. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can ensure their rights are protected throughout the process.

Source: Insurance Journal, “Driver Fatigue Causes 20% of Auto Crashes: Study,” Susan Trulove, April 15, 2013.