A recently released study of adult drivers in 19 states as well as the District of Columbia showed 4.2 percent of drivers fell asleep behind the wheel within the previous month.
Researchers said those who reported sleeping less than six hours daily, those who snored and those who reported unintentionally falling asleep during the day were most likely to report falling asleep while driving.
According to new statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2.5 percent of fatal motor vehicle crashes as well as at least two percent of all crashes with nonfatal injuries can be attributed to drowsy driving. The AAA Foundation estimates that more than 16 percent of all fatal crashes involve a drowsy driver.
The CDC analyzed survey information from 2009 – 2010 from more than 147,000 people aged 18 and older. About 5.3 percent of men compared to 3.2 percent of women reportedly fell asleep while driving and 4.9 percent of drivers between ages 18 – 44 reported falling asleep compared with 1.7 percent of drivers aged 65 and older. Those who were employed (5.1 percent) or unable to work (6.1 percent) reported more drowsy driving as opposed to those who were retired (1 percent) students or homemakers (2.1 percent) and the unemployed (3.1 percent).
Four limitations in collecting data were noted: only data from households with landlines were analyzed; estimates are based on self reporting, which likely means it is underestimated; data was not collected for all states; and data was not collected for those younger than 18, who may have an even higher risk.
If you or your loved one has suffered injuries in any type of motor vehicle accident, it is important to discuss your situation with a Milwaukee injury attorney who can help you determine if you should take further action. Call today for your free, initial consultation.