A drowsy driver is a negligent driver

Most Americans, many New York residents included, fail to get the recommended amount of sleep every single night. This usually happens due to demanding life commitments. While surviving on little sleep seems to be the norm, it is not without its consequences. When it comes to driving, a drowsy driver is considered a negligent driver and is likely to cause a car accident.

Most people tend to think that they can drive when tired without any major consequences. However, drowsy drivers are said to be as reckless as drunk drivers. Their reaction times are slower, and they are less likely to be able to fully focus on the task at hand.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 35 percent of drivers fail to get at least seven hours of sleep every night. In a study done by the AAA Foundation, those who miss just one hour double their odds of being involved in a car accident. For those who miss two or more hours, their chances quadruple.

As one in five fatal collisions are believed to be caused by drowsy drivers, clearly this is a problem that affects a large number of people. New York residents who have lost loved ones or who have been injured in collisions with drowsy drivers may have legal recourse. A civil claim may be filed against the individual believed responsible. If the court finds that person to have been a negligent driver, the victim or — in the event of fatality — his or her surviving family members may be awarded financial compensation for any resulting damages.

Source: ctpost.com, “AAA: Like DUI, missing sleep increases accident risk“, Jim Shay, Dec. 6, 2016