Tennessee Drivers Asleep at the Wheel: A Common Occurrence

We all know that texting and driving is unsafe and irresponsible, which explains why we are constantly reminded on radio, TV, billboards and the web that “One Text or Call Could Wreck it All” and to “Stop the Texts. Stop the Wrecks.” According to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), another trend has emerged that was responsible for an estimated 30,000 automobile crashes in 2009, but that has yet to generate any catchy slogans or attention-grabbing YouTube videos. Drowsy driving.

The CDC found that 4.2% of 147,076 respondents had fallen asleep behind the wheel at least once during the previous 30 days. Data showed that men were more likely to report drowsy driving than women. It is no surprise that reports of falling asleep while driving were more common among respondents who reported sleeping less than six hours per night or unintentionally falling asleep during the day. Interestingly, the study also revealed that self-reported snoring is a contributing factor to drowsy driving.

“Drowsy driving is a serious risk to personal health and public safety, and snoring is an important warning sign that should not be ignored,” said American Academy of Sleep Medicine (“AASM”) President Dr. Sam Fleishman. “Loud and frequent snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep illness that often causes excessive daytime sleepiness.”

The report noted that the actual rate of drowsy driving probably is even higher for a number of reasons. First, data showed that drivers are often unaware that they have fallen asleep while driving. In addition, the study was limited to adults in 19 states and the District of Columbia; Tennessee was not included. Also, drivers under the age of 18, who analysts say have a high risk of drowsy driving, were excluded from the study. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that more than 16% of fatal crashes involve a drowsy driver.

Tips on How to Prevent Falling Asleep at the Wheel

The CDC says the best way to prevent falling asleep at the wheel in Tennessee is to recognize and address the conditions that lead to sleepiness. Drivers most susceptible to falling asleep while driving are:

• Commercial drivers
• Persons who work long shifts or the night shift
• Drivers with untreated sleep disorders
• Drivers who use sedating medications and anyone who does not get enough sleep

The CDC cautions that once on the road, it is important to recognize the symptoms of drowsiness and act appropriately. Warning signs of drowsy driving include:

• Frequent yawning or blinking
• Difficulty remembering the past few miles driven
• Missing exits
• Drifting from one’s lane, or
• Hitting a rumble strip.

The NHTSA says turning up the radio, opening the window, or turning up the air conditioner, have not been found to be effective techniques to stay awake while driving. “The only safe thing for drivers to do if they start to feel tired while driving is to get off the road and rest until no longer drowsy,” says the CDC.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a driver who has fallen asleep at the wheel, contact the Tennessee auto accident attorneys at Bailey & Greer for a free consultation.