Fiery Crash Emphasizes the Risk of Sleepy Driving
Needless to say, the last few years have been some of the hardest times in recent history. Texans are juggling COVID-19 fears, demanding work schedules, family concerns, financial difficulties, and other worries on a daily basis. For many, finding the time to get adequate sleep is simply not possible.
Unfortunately, sleep deprivation can lead to serious consequences, including severe auto accidents. One San Antonio woman learned this lesson the hard way after falling asleep at the wheel and colliding with an 18-wheeler on Interstate 35.
Sleep Deprivation and Drowsy Driving is a Major Contributor to Accidents
Doctors recommend that adults get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. However, many of us fall short of this goal. Sleep deprivation can reduce cognitive functioning and increase reaction time – two major concerns for drivers. When drivers are sleepy, they may make crucial errors behind the wheel or even fall asleep for seconds or minutes at a time. Sleepy driving or drowsy driving is estimated to contribute to almost 100,000 car accidents each year. These accidents cause an estimated 1,500 deaths and 70,000 injuries.
Woman Asleep at the Wheel Clips Semi-truck Causing the Car to Burst into Flames
Police arrived at a fiery accident in the early hours of October 5, 2021. They say that the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames, but miraculously, the woman driving the car managed to crawl out of the overturned vehicle and avoid serious injury. Her car had rolled over and burst into flames after she struck the back of a semi-truck and lost control of the vehicle. The woman is believed to be asleep at the wheel when the accident occurred.
Contact a New Braunfels Car Accident Lawyer
Sleepy driving can lead to horrific accidents. The victims of drowsy driving accidents are often not as lucky as the woman who struck the semi-truck and escaped the fiery accident unscathed. Many are left severely or fatally injured.
If you or a loved one were struck by a drowsy driver, contact The Bettersworth Law Firm for help. Our team of skilled New Braunfels, Texas personal injury attorneys understand the devastation that a drowsy driving accident can have on accident victims and their families. We can help you understand all of your legal options under Texas law and explore ways to recover financial compensation. You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.
Call our office today at 830-443-9193 and set up your free, confidential case review and consultation.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20181107/sleepy-drivers-involved-in-100000-crashes-a-year
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180918082041.htm
https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/10/05/sapd-sleepy-driver-clips-18-wheeler-rolls-car-over-before-it-burst-into-flames-on-i-35-on-northeast-side/
