Drowsy driving has been a known danger for years, yet many people underestimate just how serious it can be. Fatigued drivers, especially those who fall asleep at the wheel, cause devastating car accidents that result in severe injuries or even fatalities. The problem is often overlooked, but the risks are as significant as drunk driving, with slowed reaction times, impaired judgment, and a higher chance of drifting into oncoming traffic or other vehicles.
For car accident victims, crashes caused by drowsy drivers can be life-altering. Medical bills pile up, injuries take time to heal, and emotional trauma lingers. If another driver’s fatigue caused your accident, holding them accountable is critical. A Maryland car accident lawyer at Goldberg Finnegan in Silver Spring can explain your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve, ensuring you don’t shoulder the burden of someone else’s poor decision to drive while too tired.
How common is drowsy driving?
The numbers don’t lie—drowsy driving is a major problem on our roads. On average, an estimated 328,000 drowsy driving accidents occur each year nationwide, resulting in more than 109,000 injuries and 6,400 deaths, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the National Safety Council.
Even more alarming, at least 1 out of 25 drivers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel within the past month, according to research by Harvard Medical School and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the actual numbers are likely far worse. Many drivers fail to acknowledge they were tired at the time of a crash, leading to underreported statistics. Researchers suggest the true extent of the problem is much larger.
Are drowsy driving accidents a problem in Maryland?
While Maryland sees fewer drowsy driving accidents compared to other states, the numbers still highlight a concerning issue. In 2020, a total of 36 people died in crashes caused by tired drivers, according to ValuePenguin's analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That accounts for 1.4% of all traffic fatalities in Maryland that year.
Even one death caused by drowsy driving is one too many. These accidents are entirely preventable—drivers simply need to recognize when they’re too tired to drive and pull over to rest. Unfortunately, many don’t, and the consequences can be devastating for victims and their families.
For car accident victims in Maryland, drowsy driving crashes can result in life-changing injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
Just how dangerous is drowsy driving?
The short answer? Extremely dangerous. Fatigue significantly impairs a driver’s ability to focus, react, and make sound decisions—similar to the effects of alcohol. The statistics paint a clear picture of the risk:
- Drivers who get 7 hours of sleep are twice as likely to cause a crash as those who have 8 hours of rest, according to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
- Drivers who get only 5 hours of sleep are five times more likely to cause a collision compared to those who sleep 7 hours.
Research from The Sleep Foundation underscores just how severe the effects of sleep deprivation can be:
- Being awake for 18 hours straight impairs drivers to the equivalent of a 0.05% BAC (blood alcohol concentration).
- Staying awake for 20 hours is like having a 0.08% BAC, which is the legal limit for drunk driving.
These studies make one thing clear: driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
Who is most at risk of drowsy driving?
Certain drivers are more likely to experience fatigue behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at risk. These include:
- Shift workers: People working night shifts, rotating schedules, or long hours often drive while sleep-deprived.
- Commercial drivers: Truck drivers and delivery workers spend long hours on the road, increasing their risk of fatigue-related crashes.
- Young drivers: Teens and young adults are more prone to drowsy driving due to busy schedules, school demands, and late-night social activities.
- People with sleep disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea and insomnia can significantly impact a driver’s ability to stay alert.
- Drivers on medications: Certain prescription or over-the-counter drugs can cause drowsiness as a side effect, impairing focus and reaction times.
What types of crashes do drowsy drivers cause?
Drowsy driving accidents are particularly dangerous because fatigued drivers often fail to take corrective actions, such as braking or swerving before a collision occurs. This leads to:
- High-speed crashes: Drowsy drivers are more likely to drift into oncoming traffic or off the road at full speed.
- Rear-end collisions: Fatigued drivers often fail to notice stopped or slowed vehicles ahead.
- Lane departure accidents: A common outcome of microsleeps, where a driver briefly nods off and veers into another lane or off the road entirely.
- Head-on collisions: Fatigue can cause drivers to lose control and drift into opposing traffic lanes, leading to devastating accidents.
Tips to avoid drowsy driving
Preventing drowsy driving starts with recognizing the signs of fatigue and making responsible choices. Here are practical tips to stay safe on the road:
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of rest before driving, especially before long trips.
- Take breaks: Stop every two hours or 100 miles to rest, stretch, and recharge during road trips.
- Recognize warning signs: Frequent yawning, drifting out of your lane, difficulty keeping your eyes open, and missing road signs are all signals it’s time to pull over.
- Avoid driving at night: Your body’s natural sleep cycle makes nighttime driving more dangerous, especially in the early morning hours.
- Travel with a companion: Having a passenger to help you stay alert or take over driving can make long trips safer.
- Avoid sedating medications: Check medication labels for drowsiness side effects, and avoid driving if you’re feeling tired.
Don’t let another driver’s negligence derail your future
Drowsy driving crashes often leave victims with severe injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting financial stress. While the risks of fatigued driving are clear, proving fault in these cases isn’t always easy—especially when insurance companies attempt to minimize or deny your claim. That’s why having an experienced Maryland car accident attorney on your side is crucial.
At Goldberg Finnegan, we know how to fight back. Our legal team will thoroughly investigate the crash, gather critical evidence like driving records, witness statements, and accident reconstructions, and take on the insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve. From medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering, we’ll work tirelessly to hold the negligent driver accountable. Our case results speak for themselves, including $4.975 million for the family of a car accident victim.
Don’t wait to take action. If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash caused by a drowsy driver, contact Goldberg Finnegan today. Schedule your free case evaluation with a Silver Spring car accident lawyer who knows how to win.
"Great experience from start to finish… I would recommend Goldberg Finnegan without reservation.” — Kevin B., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐