Are There More Fatigued Driving Accidents Happening?

Fatigued driving, also called drowsy driving, is a growing concern in the United States, with many drivers unaware of its serious dangers. While alcohol and distracted driving have long been recognized as leading causes of accidents, drowsy driving is just as dangerous but often goes unnoticed or unreported.

According to national statistics, drowsy driving contributes to approximately 328,000 crashes each year. Almost 6,500 people are killed in these accidents. In fact,  one in 25 adult drivers admits to falling asleep while driving, and many more admit to driving while they are sleep-deprived.

If you have been injured in a crash, it is important to have a skilled Norfolk car accident lawyer advocating for you. Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to find out what legal recourse you may have.

Are Drowsy Driving Accidents Increasing in the US?

Yes, drowsy driving accidents are increasing in the US, although they remain underreported. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in 25 adult drivers report falling asleep behind the wheel in the past 30 days. This statistic is alarming, highlighting how widespread drowsy driving is despite its dangers. While it is difficult to determine the exact number of drowsy driving-related accidents due to underreporting, studies suggest that as the amount of sleep people get continues to decline, the number of accidents caused by drowsiness rises.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that drowsy driving causes around 100,000 crashes annually, many of which result in fatalities or serious injuries. However, experts believe the actual number is much higher because drowsiness is often not recognized as contributing to accidents, especially if the driver doesn’t fall asleep or is merely fatigued.

What Factors Are Contributing to This Increase?

There are several factors contributing to the rise in drowsy driving accidents. One major factor is the increasing prevalence of sleep deprivation in modern society. According to the CDC, about one-third of U.S. adults report not getting enough sleep, with many individuals regularly sleeping less than the recommended 7 to 9 hours per night. This chronic sleep deprivation affects cognitive function, reaction time, and judgment—key components of safe driving.

Another factor contributing to the rise in drowsy driving is the demanding nature of modern work schedules. Many workers have long hours or irregular shifts or are required to commute long distances, which can disrupt their sleep patterns and contribute to fatigue. This is particularly true for shift workers, such as truck drivers, healthcare workers, and factory workers, who are more prone to drowsiness while driving.

The widespread use of electronic devices and technology, especially late at night, can negatively impact sleep quality. The blue light emitted by screens suppresses the body’s production of melatonin, making it more difficult to fall asleep and stay rested. Many drivers also spend long hours on the road for personal reasons or work, leading to exhaustion and an increased risk of drowsy driving accidents.

How Does Drowsy Driving Affect a Driver’s Ability to Operate a Vehicle?

Fatigue impairs the brain’s ability to function in much the same way alcohol does. A drowsy driver may experience slowed reaction times, decreased attention span, impaired decision-making, and difficulty maintaining focus on the road. In extreme cases, a drowsy driver may fall asleep at the wheel, leading to catastrophic accidents.

Research shows that driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. A driver who has gone more than 20 hours without sleep is just as impaired as a driver with a BAC of 0.08 percent – the legal limit across the United States and Illinois. Many drivers may experience short, four to five-second periods of “micro-sleep” but do not think they are being unsafe drivers. Yet at typical highway speeds, a vehicle can travel the length of a football field during those four to five seconds.

In this state, a driver may experience short, four- to five-second periods of “micro-sleep”—something they are completely unaware of. Studies show that in those four to five seconds, a vehicle can travel the distance of a football field.

Fatigue also affects a driver’s ability to process information. A driver who is tired may not notice important road signs, traffic signals, or the behavior of other vehicles on the road, making it more difficult to react to hazards in a timely manner. This is why drowsy driving accidents often occur at high speeds or on long stretches of highway where the driver may be less likely to notice or react to dangers.

What Are the Signs a Driver Is Too Drowsy to Drive Safely?

Recognizing the signs of drowsy driving can help prevent accidents and promote safer driving. Some common warning signs of drowsiness include:

• Difficulty keeping your eyes open or heavy eyelids
• Frequent yawning or nodding off
• Difficulty focusing or remembering the last few miles driven
• Drifting between lanes or tailgating
• Feeling restless, irritable, or losing motivation to continue driving
• Missing exits or driving past familiar landmarks without realizing it
• The sudden onset of “microsleeps,” where the driver briefly falls asleep for a few seconds without realizing it

If a driver experiences any of these symptoms, it is essential that they pull over to a safe area and rest. In some cases, stopping for a brief nap can help restore alertness and prevent accidents. Additionally, rotating drivers or taking breaks during long trips can help ensure that no one is driving while too fatigued.

Call Our Norfolk Personal Injury Law Firm for Legal Assistance

If you or a loved one has suffered a rear-end crash injury as a result of another party’s negligent or reckless actions, contact a Norfolk car accident attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. We will evaluate your case and determine what legal options you may have for the losses you have suffered.

Call our office today to set up a free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys. Our firm is dedicated to advocating for our clients and will work diligently to get you the financial compensation you deserve, like the $30,000 jury award we obtained for one client who suffered a whiplash injury in a chain-reaction crash.

For your convenience, we have offices in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.