How Many Accidents Are Caused By Drowsy Driving?

Drowsy driving is a hidden danger that causes thousands of car accidents each year. Despite its prevalence, many drivers underestimate the risks of driving while fatigued. For victims injured by a drowsy driver, understanding these risks is key to seeking justice, accountability, and financial compensation.

Drowsy driving is a serious threat on New Hampshire roads

Drowsy driving is far more dangerous and widespread than most people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Sleep Foundation:

• 1 in 25 adult drivers report falling asleep at the wheel.
• 6,400 deaths annually are linked to drowsy driving.

The scope of this issue becomes clearer with a study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, which estimates:

• 328,000 crashes each year involve a drowsy driver — more than triple the number police reports suggest.
• Among these, 109,000 crashes result in injuries.
• Drowsy driving fatalities are likely underreported by over 350 percent.

In New Hampshire, about a dozen fatal drowsy or fatigued driving accidents have occurred over the last five years. Fatal drowsy driving accidents were recorded on Route 101 between Keene and Nashua and outside of Manchester. Other deadly fatigued driving accidents were recorded on 1st New Hampshire Turnpike and Stark Highway, according to federal data.

These numbers show how dangerous and underrecognized fatigue-related accidents are. Victims injured in these crashes often face devastating outcomes, including serious injuries and financial losses. If you or a loved one has been affected, consulting a car accident lawyer can help you determine the best course of action.

Why fatigue impairs drivers

Driving while fatigued is often compared to driving under the influence of alcohol. Research highlights how drowsiness impacts a driver's abilities:

• Slower reaction times make it harder to respond to hazards.
• Reduced attention span increases the likelihood of missing important cues.
• Prolonged fatigue leads to micro-sleeps — involuntary moments of inattention lasting 4-5 seconds. At highway speeds, this is enough time to travel the length of a football field without active control.

These impairments make drowsy driving just as dangerous as other forms of reckless behavior. In fact, going more than 20 hours without sleep has been shown to impair a driver as much as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, the legal limit for alcohol intoxication.

Recognizing fatigue is also a challenge. Many drivers fail to realize how tired they are, often pushing through exhaustion despite the risks. For victims of these accidents, proving the role of drowsiness in a crash can be complex and often requires the help of an experienced attorney to uncover the truth.

The hidden challenge of identifying drowsy driving accidents

Determining whether fatigue played a role in a car crash can be difficult. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 684 deaths from drowsy driving crashes in 2021, but research by the AAA suggests this figure vastly underrepresents the true impact, with actual fatalities likely much higher. Unlike alcohol or drug impairment, drowsy driving leaves no definitive evidence, making it harder to identify and prove.

Fatigue often goes unnoticed at the scene of an accident, and drivers are rarely willing to admit they were too tired to drive. This creates challenges when holding a drowsy driver accountable. However, with the right legal representation, building a strong case is possible. An experienced car accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident to uncover signs of fatigue, such as erratic driving patterns or lack of braking.
• Collaborate with experts to reconstruct the accident and provide compelling evidence to support your claim.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

The aftermath of a serious car accident can be overwhelming, but having an advocate on your side can make all the difference. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a fatigued driver, a knowledgeable attorney can gather critical evidence, navigate complex legal processes, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve under New Hampshire law.

Our New Hampshire car accident lawyers can protect your rights

Drowsy driving accidents are preventable, yet their consequences are often devastating. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash caused by a fatigued driver in New Hampshire, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact an experienced car accident attorney at Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, PA. A member of our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to hear from you. We can schedule a free consultation to discuss your potential legal options and answer your questions.

Let an attorney guide you toward justice and a brighter future. Contact us today.

"I was in a motor vehicle accident and suffered more serious injuries than I originally thought. I contacted Attorney Durkin, and the response was immediate. From that point forward, he and his professional staff handled everything, and I was able to focus on my recovery. I can't say enough about the level of professionalism and importance in which my case was handled. I am very grateful for their services." - S.H.
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