What is Drowsy Driving Week and when is it celebrated?

While drowsy driving deserves focus every day of the year, Drowsy Driving Week will be observed from November 6th to November 12th. First observed in 2008, this upcoming week of awareness provides staggering statistics regarding the correlation between motor vehicle injuries and fatalities and fatigued drivers. A survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation years ago found that more Americans at that time reported they drove drowsy frequently with one-fifth admitting they had fallen asleep while driving.

Which demographic contributes most to drowsy driving accidents?

Drowsy driving most directly affects shift workers who work long hours, commercial drivers and young adults under 25. Collaboration between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institute of Health (NIH) show most crashes related to drowsy driving occur between midnight and 6 a.m. and early afternoon. Drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) receive Uniform Commercial Citations if determined tired or ill at the time of a crash.

How many drowsy driving accidents occur in New York City?

In New York City, drowsy driving contributes significantly to the number of both fatal and nonfatal accidents. Motor Vehicle Collision Report Statistics issued by the city’s police department for August of 2022, falling asleep or fatigued/drowsy driving accounted for 51% of the vehicles involved all accidents. This ranks ten times higher than cell phone usage (both handheld and hands-free.)

A drowsy driver only increases the already high possibility of a motor vehicle accident. As Drowsy Driving Week approaches, more information about the direct impact fatigue has on fatal car crashes will appear. Attorneys who understand the financial and emotional costs can offer assistance.