The Dangers of Drowsy Driving Accidents

May 13, 2013

Drowsy driving is a major problem across the United States, but especially in New York. Finding a solution to this problem may prove more difficult than previously expected.

Experts say more than 11,000 fatalities resulted from Drowsy Driving Accidents between 2000 and 2010. More recently, a New York police officer was killed when a drowsy driver plowed into the rear of his parked police cruiser.

FOX News reports prosecutors initially brought negligent homicide charges against the driver responsible for the crash, but the burden of proof was too much for the charges to stick. Instead, the driver pleaded guilty to reckless driving and paid a $500 fine.

The case highlights that proving a driver was falling asleep at the wheel at the time of a crash can be difficult. In an effort to implement enforceable regulations against the behavior, several states and some industries have established legal limits on how long a person can be awake and still be legally allowed to drive. The problem with these laws is that staying within the established time limits is often self-reported.

This leads many experts to believe that public education about the dangers of drowsy driving is the best way to reduce the number of accidents caused by the behavior. That’s why the Personal Injury Lawyers with William Mattar Law Offices encourage motorists to get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.