Are Louisiana Drivers Falling Asleep Behind The Wheel?

According to a comprehensive study on the subject of drowsy driving, the proportion of fatal crashes in which the driver was reported as drowsy, sleepy, asleep or fatigued remained relatively consistent during the period 2005 to 2009, fluctuating between 2.2 and 2.6 percent of total fatal crashes annually and nationwide.

The number of fatalities due to drowsy driving, reflecting the general trend, dropped from 1,194 in 2005 to 832 in 2009. During the same period, the estimated number of injured persons due to drowsy driving declined from 42,000 in 2005 to 30,000 in 2009.

The study points out a number of limitations with respect to determining the presence of drowsy driving. The data are based on police accident reports and on investigations made after the event has occurred. The difficulty stems from:

• The fact that police accident reports vary between the states, and within a state, some jurisdictions cite fatigue as a condition of the driver, while others include fatigue as an attribute of distraction.
• Under-reporting drowsy driving is most likely due to a lack of firm evidence. The investigation is done after the crash, drivers can be unaware of the role that drowsiness played in the accident, and drivers could be reluctant to admit they were falling asleep or tired. Obviously, deceased drivers cannot tell their story.
• Over-reporting can also be a factor because drowsiness or fatigue is better accepted than alcohol use, speeding or distraction.

By and large, driver fatigue can and should be controlled by the driver. Whether caused by medication, long hours of work, alcohol or a heavy meal, drowsiness is normally a gradual process. Drivers need to pull over their vehicle when the first signs appear, and rest. A 15-20 minute power nap goes a long way to re-energize the body.

At the Young Firm in New Orleans we are dedicated to the safety of our clients. If you have been involved in a car crash, contact us for a free evaluation of your case.