Los Angeles Injury Lawyer Blog

A report by the California Highway Patrol shows that 303 fatalities have occurred since 2002 as a result of drowsy driving (driving while overtired). However, this figure is likely underreported as police officers cannot conclusively test for drowsiness. Unlike alcohol, there are no lasting physical effects of fatigue. A poll conducted by National Sleep Foundation reports that 60% of adult drivers admit to driving a vehicle while sleepy in the past year. More than a third of those polled admit to actually falling asleep at the wheel. A study by Virginia Tech researcher filmed driving behavior of individuals in their personal cars for a year. Drowsy driving was found to have contributed to accidents in 12% of the crashes that occurred.

In an effort to reduce the number of accidents caused by sleepy drivers, particularly commercial drivers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been reviewing recommendations regarding the incidence of truck drivers and sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. People who have sleep apnea do not get a continuous night’s sleep because of a disorder that causes their airways to partially construct when sleeping. As a result of the constant awakenings, these individuals tend to experience higher periods of drowsiness during the day. A clinical study by the Center for Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology at University of Pennsylvania has found that truck drivers experience a higher rate of obstructive sleep apnea, particularly if they are obese. The Center is recommending to the FMCSA a mandatory sleep study for truck drivers once they reach a certain level of obesity. To support their recommendation, the Center submits data that shows that drivers with sleep apnea are 2.5 more likely to be involved in a vehicular crash.

One example of drowsy driving played out tragically last month in an accident involving a tractor-trailer truck in Los Angeles County when the driver of the commercial truck fell asleep at the wheel. The drowsy truck driver drove his big rig up a dirt embankment and struck an overpass. Ten minutes later, a man crashed his car into the tractor-trailer when he could not stop in time. A few months earlier, another accident occurred as a result of drowsy driving. The fatigued driver fell asleep momentarily and caused a three-car accident. Although both accidents only resulted in moderate to minor injuries, accidents involving drowsy or fatigued driving are a major cause of vehicle collisions.

Regardless of whether you are a commercial truck driver or drive your own personal car for leisure, it is important to recognize the signs of fatigue before you fall asleep at the wheel. If you notice any of these signs of drowsiness, pull off the road as soon as possible to give your body a break.

• Drifting unexpectedly across lanes


• Repeated yawning, nodding head


• Disconnected thoughts, inability to maintain focus, finding yourself in a dazed state


• Impatience, restlessness, irritability


• Tailgating or unintentional speeding/ slowing down


• Closing/heavy eyes, repeated blinking, unfocused eyes

If you or someone close to you has been involved in a car crash in California, it is important to seek the assistance of a licensed attorney. The experienced professionals at the Law Office of Greenberg & Rudman LLP have litigated numerous personal injury cases involved automobiles and obtained favorable results for their clients. Call 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) now for a free initial consultation.