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Approximately 2,800 People Killed in Drowsy Driving Accidents in New York Annually
Posted by: William Gentile
December 21, 2010

A new study by the AAA indicates that drowsydriving is responsible for one in every six fatal auto accidents in the USevery year. In New York, approximately 2,800 people are killed inaccidents caused by drowsy drivers. Those statistics are extremely worrying to NewYork car accident attorneys, who believe that this traffic safety issue hasnot received the attention it deserves.

Nationwide, more than 100,000 motor vehicle accidents areattributed to drowsy driving every year. These contribute to more than 40,000injuries and lead to 1,550 deaths. In 2002, a bus accident on the Thruwayoutside of Victor was traced to a bus driver, who apparently fell asleep whiledriving the tour bus. Five people were killed, and all 50 passengers on boardthe bus were injured. Whether it’s the driver of a commercial motor vehicle orpassenger vehicle behind the wheel, drowsy driving can have devastatingconsequences for all.

Some people seem to be at a higher risk for drowsydriving. Young drivers and teen motorists are more likely to be involved insuch accidents. In fact, teen motorists between the age of 16 and 24 are morelikely to be involved in a drowsy driving accident, compared to other motorists.The risk of drowsy driving, not surprisingly, increases dramatically betweenmidnight and six in the morning. The risks are also greater while driving inthe afternoon between one and four. You are also more likely to doze off ifyou're on a long drive all alone. Shift workers and people who work on morethan one job, and therefore, don't get enough sleep, could also be at a higher riskof fatigued driving.

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