Prevent Utah Car Accidents: Don't Drive Drowsy

Holiday weekends almost always bring the unfortunate occurrences of automobile accidents caused by drowsy driving. This past Memorial Day weekend, four people were injured in a rollover accident on Interstate 1-80 that was caused as a result of drowsy driving. While no one was killed in this particular accident, deaths caused by drowsy driving have been constantly increasing in the United States over the past several years.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are approximately 100,000 police-reported crashes caused by drowsy driving each year—with an estimated 1,550 fatalities. While many of the accidents involve only single vehicles, drowsy driving can also cause fatal results for other drivers on the road.

Studies have shown that drowsy driving is just as hazardous as drunk driving and causes the same level of impairment, a fact that many don't realize. While to some it may seem fairly trivial, drowsy driving is actually classified as driving under an influence. It usually results into veering off the road or into other lanes of traffic and oftentimes even slight veering leads to over-correction, causing rollovers, or other collisions. Holiday weekends are particularly hazardous because people are driving long distances for recreation or to visit family in a shorter time frame.

If you happen to find yourself in a situation where you or the driver or your vehicle is getting drowsy while driving, remember that it is always better to stop to rest rather than risk harming the lives of those in your vehicle or others on the road.

If you have been a victim in a drowsy driving accident, you may have a case to receive compensation for losses or injuries sustained in the accident. Contact Jeff Metler, an experienced Utah car accident lawyer, so he can analyze your case to determine if you are entitled to compensation.